Missouri suspends linebacker Marquis Booker following weekend arrest

3/17/2008 3:12 PM

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -Missouri linebacker Marquis Booker was suspended Monday following his arrest in which police said he threatened to ``light the place up'' and grabbed a handgun from his car during a parking lot argument.

The 20-year-old sophomore backup was arrested early Sunday outside an apartment complex on suspicion of unlawfully using a weapon and an underage liquor law violation, police said. He was released from the Boone County Jail after posting a $4,800 bond.

Booker cocked the gun but did not point it at anyone, according to police. He drove off with four others as officers arrived. Officers found a loaded 9-millimeter Ruger handgun under the front passenger seat. Booker said the gun was his.

Booker could not immediately be reached for comment Monday.

Also in the car, and not arrested, were: wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, an All-American as a freshman; junior linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, the team's leading tackler last season; a football recruit; and a female student.

Missouri finished the 2007 season with a 12-2 record and a No. 4 ranking in one of its most successful seasons. The Tigers began spring practice March 11.