The Ohio football team will be missing running back Donte Harden for much of next season.
The Bobcat backfield took a hit when the redshirt junior pleaded no contest Tuesday to one count of operating a vehicle under the influence.
Harden is suspended for a violation of team rules and policies, said Jason Corriher, Assistant Athletic Director of Media Relations. Harden will miss the first six games of the season because he violated the Ohio University Student-Athlete Code of Conduct, Corriher said, but he will be permitted to practice during the suspension.
Harden was arrested in February after police watched his car cross the center line four times at about 2:30 a.m. on N. Lancaster St. Harden failed three field sobriety tests, according to police reports.
A Breathalyzer test measured his blood alcohol content at 0.093 percent, only 0.013 percent more than the limit.
Harden is the second leading returning rusher for the Bobcats behind Vince Davidson. He rushed for 237 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games last season. He also had 11 receptions for 55 yards.
He was believed to have a chance to fight for the starting running back position when Fall Camp opens in August.
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Matt Wagner
