Arkansas linebacker Freddie Fairchild suspended after arrest

3/25/2008 3:55 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) -Arkansas linebacker Freddie Fairchild was suspended from the team after he was charged on suspicion of beating a woman.

He was arrested Monday, and later released, on misdemeanor charges of suspicion of third-degree battery and false imprisonment. His arraignment is April 23.

Coach Bobby Petrino said Tuesday the 21-year-old player was suspended pending a review of whether he violated team rules.

``He will not be allowed to participate in any team activities during the suspension,'' Petrino said. ``We will allow the legal process to take its course on this matter and Freddie will be provided the appropriate support during this time.''

Fairchild ``attacked (the woman) causing injuries to her head, face, extremities and pelvis,'' according to a preliminary probable cause statement from a Fayetteville police detective. The complaint said she reported that he would not allow her to leave for several hours.

Fairchild has been in a ``domestic relationship'' with the women intermittently for over a year, the statement said.

He started 11 games last season as a redshirt sophomore and led the Razorbacks with 4.5 sacks.