The University of Wisconsin Student-Athlete Discipline Policy Appeals Committee modified UW-Madison sophomore Dwayne Smith's suspension Wednesday. Smith, a running back for the UW football team, will miss the team's first five practice sessions of the spring season, the committee ruled.
The appeals committee said in a statement the testimony presented contradicted the nature of the second degree sexual assault allegations, but did conclude Smith's conduct was unbecoming of a student-athlete.
Smith will return to practice and competition March 10, unless any new information surfaces requiring the Appeals Committee to re-evaluate the case.
He was arrested Feb. 23 following allegations of second-degree sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman Feb. 21. Smith was immediately suspended from all competition or practice, as per the rules of the Student-Athlete Discipline Policy.
Smith admitted to having consensual sexual contact with the woman, according to his attorney, Charles Giesen.
His pre-trial hearing is at 9 a.m. before the Dane County Circuit Court. Giesen said earlier Smith will plead not guilty. If convicted, Smith faces a maximum penalty of $100,000 in fines and 40 years in prison.
