NIU football coach Jerry Pettibone announced Monday that star quarterback Stacey Robinson was suspended for the remainder of spring practice, including the annual Red-White intra-squad game, due to his violation of “team rules regarding academic progress”.

Pettibone declined to go into the specifics behind the reason for Robinson’s suspension.

“I don’t want to get into the particulars, that’s more of a family thing because our players understand our rules, and when they break them they are disciplined for it,” Pettibone said.

The suspension was implemented by the team, not the University, and has “nothing to do with his eligibility,” Pettibone said. The eligibilty for next year of Robinson, who is on academic probation, will be determined after final grades are announced.

The 6-foot-1 junior led the nation’s quarterbacks in rushing last season and is being promoted by NIU as a Heisman Trophy candidate. The honorable mention All-America set several NCAA and NIU records in leading the Huskies to a 9-2 record last season.

The Danville, Ill. native will miss a total of five spring practice sessions and will also sit out Saturday’s team scrimmage at Huskie Stadium.

“I hope that Stacey responds to this suspension in a positive way and does what he has to do academically this semester.

“He (Robinson) understands what the situation is,” Pettibone said. Asked if he hopes that the suspension will send a message to Robinson, Pettibone said, “Yes, I hope it does.”

Robinson could not be reached for comment.

Robinson rushed for 1,443 yards last season. With an average of 131.2 yards per game, Robinson scored 19 touchdowns on the season. He finshed sixth among leading rushers in the nation. Rob Rugai will fill in as the No. 1 play caller for the remainder of spring session.