Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
CHICAGO -- The first day of the Big Ten media meetings is in the books. Before seeing daylight for the first time since 7 a.m., I've got a couple of items. First, the day's biggest news came well after the coaches' interview sessions, as Wisconsin announced the suspension of junior running back Lance Smith.
Smith, as you might remember, was prohibited from playing in away games last season after being arrested and charged with battery of his girlfriend.
"It has come to my attention that Lance has failed to meet certain requirements relating to the first-offender program he was placed in last fall," Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema said in a statement.
Wisconsin didn't release any more information about Smith, citing FERPA.
Smith, who rushed for 429 yards last season, has been barred from games and practicing with the team. He remains on the roster. The junior was expected to share carries with starter P.J. Hill and reserves Zach Brown and John Clay this season.
Other notes from Day 1:
- Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz announced that senior tackle Dace Richardson had another setback with his knee during the summer. Richardson, a highly rated recruit who was part of Iowa's stellar 2005 class, isn't expected to play again. "You always feel terrible any time someone's career has ended prematurely," Ferentz said.
- Michigan running back Kevin Grady has been suspended following his drunken driving arrest earlier this month. Grady isn't allowed to train with the team but could rejoin the squad at some point. "He has to do certain things, and once he does that, there will be some playing-time penalties as well," coach Rich Rodriguez said. "Then he's on a strict watch from there. He has to earn his way back."
- Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio was asked about the terse comments he made after last year's loss to Michigan. Dantonio had been set off by Michigan running back Mike Hart, who suggested the Spartans were Michigan's "little brother." "Hopefully, I've put that to bed," Dantonio said. "I spoke out of emotion. Rivalries are good for college football. We're going to embrace that rivalry."
- Bielema, on Michigan being left out of the top three in the Big Ten preseason media poll: "It's probably a misprint."
Adam Rittenberg joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four years at the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald, where he covered sports at Notre Dame, Northwestern, DePaul and several other colleges. He lives in Chicago.
