UNC suspends LB Hughes after assault charge

Published Jan. 23, 2014 10:37 p.m. ET

foxsports

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) North Carolina has suspended linebacker Travis Hughes after he was charged with misdemeanor assault on a government official following an altercation with a campus parking enforcement officer.

Team spokesman Kevin Best said the altercation happened Thursday morning near Hughes' campus residence, leading to his immediate suspension from team-related activities.

In an email Thursday night, university police spokesman Randy Young said no one was injured during the altercation.

Young said the officer was preparing to ticket Hughes' vehicle and arrange for towing when Hughes approached, ''took exception'' and assaulted him before driving away.

Young said Hughes was pulled over and arrested less than a mile away.

Hughes started 11 games and was the team's fifth-leading tackler with 76 tackles. He missed the Belk Bowl win against Cincinnati with a knee injury.