Ole Miss safety Trae Elston suspended for first half against Texas A&M

Ole Miss safety Trae Elston has been suspended for the first half of Saturday's game against Texas A&M after coach Hugh Freeze said Elston made an attempt to kick Alabama running back Kenyan Drake during the first half of Saturday’s game.

The kick was not clearly seen on replay, but it happened during the same play Drake suffered a broken leg. Drake is likely out for the season, though Alabama has not announced a recovery timeline.

Freeze said it was his decision to suspend Elston after watching the replay. He also said he thought the kick was out of frustration to get the ball.

"We want our players to uphold our values at all times," Freeze said. "We'll move forward from it, and Trae is a good kid. It was an attempt, in frustration, I think to knock the ball out after a third down was converted. He made a bad decision. I talked to Trae this morning and he understands that's not how we want to go about things. I don't think there was any intent to injure or hurt. It's very unfortunate that it happened on a play where a young man suffered an injury. Our thoughts are with him.”

Elston, a three-year starter, has 24 tackles this season, an interception and two pass breakups.

Freeze did not say who will fill Elston’s spot against A&M, the nation’s No. 1 passing offense, but said possibilities include sophomore David Kamara, freshmen C.J. Hampton and C.J. Moore and cornerback Mike Hilton.

For more Ole Miss news, visit RebelGrove.com.

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