Rebels kick starting OL Johnson off team

Published Sep. 9, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Coach Houston Nutt says Mississippi offensive lineman Rishaw Johnson has been kicked off the team after a ''violation of team rules.''

Johnson, a junior from Hammond, La., started at right guard in the season opener against Jacksonville State and started three games last season. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound Johnson was also suspended from the team last season for another violation of team rules, but was reinstated.

Nutt says sophomore Josh Tatum would start in Johnson's place during Saturday's game against Tulane in New Orleans.

Nutt also announced reserve linebacker Brandon Sanders has been suspended indefinitely. The sophomore appeared in 12 career games, making seven tackles.