North Carolina head coach Larry Fedora has reached a decision regarding the playing statuses of two suspended defensive backs.
Fedora announced Wednesday that freshman Mike Hughes has been reinstated and will play against Virginia on Saturday. Additionally, Fedora told reporters that sophomore M.J. Stewart will be reinstated on Sunday after the UVA game.
UNC announced last week that the two were indefinitely suspended for violating team rules. Neither played against Wake Forest.
“Based on everything that I know at this time, it’s the appropriate action,” Fedora said, per the Associated Press.
The suspensions stemmed from their alleged involvement in an altercation earlier this month. Both were charged with misdemeanor assault.
From the Associated Press:
The altercation took place early Oct. 4 - less than a day after UNC had won at Georgia Tech in Atlanta for the first time since 1997 - at the address of a fraternity house, according to a police incident report. That report listed two victims who resided there, though arrest warrants filed last week for each player listed only one victim.
Hughes was charged with assault inflicting serious injury for punching the victim and breaking his nose, knocking him unconscious and causing a concussion as well as lingering health issues, according to an arrest warrant.
Stewart was charged with assault and battery for punching the victim ''several times in the face,'' according to an arrest warrant.
Stewart is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday while Hughes’ will appear in court on Nov. 19. Per the Associated Press, Fedora said the outcome of their court appearances could “possibly” impact their statuses with the team down the line.
Stewart, a starter, has 20 tackles and three interceptions this season while Hughes has registered three tackles in five games.
UNC improved to 5-1 with its win over Wake Forest last weekend. The Tar Heels host the Cavaliers at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.
For more North Carolina news, visit TarHeelIllustrated.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
