Michigan’s star running back Fitzgerald Toussaint has been suspended for one game and will not make the trip with the team to Arlington, TX for the Wolverines’ big game against second-ranked Alabama at Cowboys Stadium on Saturday.

Toussaint had been suspended indefinitely since a July 21 arrest for driving while intoxicated. He pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a lesser charge of operating while visually impaired.  However, coach Brady Hoke waited until Friday before making any official announcement regarding Toussaint’s status.

“”The decision was not easy, but I feel it is in the best interest of this program and for these kids, and those always will be my priorities,” Hoke said in a statement. “We have choices every day, and you have to be accountable to this program, your teammates, your family and the University of Michigan.”

Toussaint, a redshirt junior, could be sorely missed in the Michigan backfield against one of the nation’s top defenses. Toussaint rushed for 1,041 yards and nine touchdowns last year. He and quarterback Denard Robinson formed the only duo in college football to have two 1,000 yard rushers from the same team. Now Robinson, already the focal point of the Wolverines’ offense, will have to carry even more pressure on his shoulders going into Saturday’s matchup against the defending national champions.

Backup defensive end Frank Clark was also suspended for the game. He is currently awaiting arraignment on felony second-degree home invasion charges.

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