UNC reinstates Mike Hughes, to lift suspension for M.J. Stewart on Sunday
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. --North Carolinacoach Larry Fedora has lifted the indefinite suspension for one cornerback and will reinstate a second this weekend after the two were charged withmisdemeanor assault tied to an altercation near campus this month.
Speaking after practice Wednesday, Fedora said he reinstated freshmanMike Hughes for the practice and that Hughes will play againstVirginiaon Saturday. Fedora said he will reinstate startingsophomore cornerback M.J. Stewart on Sunday.
Both players were indefinitely suspended last week from team-related activities because of a violation of team rules, sidelining them from last weekend's win againstWake Forest. Stewart will end upmissing two games during the suspension.
"Based on everything that I know at this time, it's the appropriate action," Fedora said, though he wouldn't elaborate.
The altercation took place early Oct. 4 -- less than a day after UNC had won atGeorgia Techin Atlanta for the first time since 1997 -- at the address of a fraternity house, according to a policeincident 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. An arrest warrant alleges he punched the victim and broke his nose, knocked him unconscious and caused a concussion as well as lingering health issues.
Stewart was charged with assault and battery. According to an arrest warrant, he allegedly punched the victim "several times in the face."
Both players still face court hearings. Stewart is scheduled to appear in court Thursday, and Hughes' court date was continued until Nov. 19. Fedora said the resolutions of those court cases could "possibly" affect the status of both players in the future.
The Tar Heels (5-1) host the Cavaliers with a chance to earn their first 3-0 start in Atlantic Coast Conference play since 1997, which was Mack Brown's final season before leaving to coach atTexas.
