Miami suspends top RB Mark Walton after DUI arrest

By Staff Writer | Apr 24, 2016 08:55 PM EDT

On Saturday, Miami running back Mark Walton was suspended by the Hurricanes in an indefinite time after he was arrested over suspicion of driving under the influence. 

According to CBS Sports, Mark Walton, 19, has been suspended from the team following an arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). The arrest report says Walton had bloodshot, watery eyes and was slurring his speech while being stopped by police. His breath tests also showed his blood alcohol level was at 0.059 and 0.06 which is under the legal limit for someone of age but above those under 21.

 USA Today reported that the DUI and suspended license citations may only be part of Walton's legal issues that are going forward. There is another source citing that a person familiar with the situation revealed Walton was also under investigation for impersonating a law enforcement officer which is a third degree felony in Florida.

Miami athletics director Blake James said in a statement, "We are aware of the situation regarding Mark Walton and we have taken immediate action by suspending him from the team."

ESPN also published that court records showed that Walton has an unpaid speeding ticket from June 15, 2015 which is believed by many could be the cause of his suspended license. The athlete owes $434 for the ticket.

Walton emerged from the spring practice season atop the team depth chart at running back. But now, his future with the Hurricanes is uncertain since Miami already booted a kicker from the team last month when he was cited for DUI. Walton led Miami in nine rushing touchdown while getting a total 10 touchdowns as a true freshman last season. He had a key role in Miami's most memorable play in 2015. Walton is expected to be a key part of the running back rotation this fall along with Joseph Yearby.

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