Auburn dismisses running back Smith

Published Mar. 1, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Auburn running back Eric Smith has been dismissed from the team for violating team rules.

Athletics spokesman Kirk Sampson did not elaborate on the reason Monday.

The 5-foot-10, 240-pound junior was primarily used as a blocking back and special teamer for the defending national champions, but also caught five passes for 49 yards.

Smith had missed the first and final game of the 2009 season. He missed the opener after being charged with third-degree assault for an off-campus fight. He was granted youthful offender status.

He was also academically ineligible for the Outback Bowl against Northwestern.