UTEP’s Price Suspends 2 Players From Team

Two Texas-El Paso football players, including a projected defensive starter, will miss the start of the season after violating team rules.

Coach Mike Price on Monday said Travaun Nixon, who is listed as a starting cornerback, will miss the opener. Backup receiver Marlon McClure will miss UTEP’s first two games.

UTEP opens Sept. 4 at home against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The Miners on Sept. 10 visit Houston.

Both players violated team rules, but Price did not say exactly what led to the suspensions.

This is the second time this year Price has suspended players from the team.

In March, Price suspended starting quarterback Trevor Vittatoe, wide receiver Pierce Hunter and offensive lineman Alex Solot from the start of spring football for violating unspecified team rules. Their punishment was not being allowed in the weight room, on the sidelines or in the locker room and they were punished through physical activity, Price said at the time of their suspension.