Arizona Suspends 2 Football Players

TUCSON —  University of Arizona’s top rusher and a starting lineman were suspended Wednesday after they were found to be “in violation of NCAA eligibility rules,” the school announced.

The athletic department refused to discuss the infractions involved but said running back David Eldridge and tackle David Roney will not be allowed to play against North Carolina State in the Copper Bowl Dec. 31 in Arizona Stadium.

Roney acknowledged testing positive for anabolic steroids, saying he received small dosages of testosterone in the belief it would help him recover from a sprained ankle that sidelined him in the first half of a Nov. 11 game against USC.

Eldridge, a tailback, was named to the Pacific 10 Conference’s second-team after rushing for 788 yards and eight touchdowns in 143 carries. He also caught seven passes for 47 yards.

He declined to divulge the nature of his violation.