UNC suspends CBs M.J. Stewart, Mike Hughes; both face charges

North Carolina has suspended two players indefinitely following their arrests relating to an Oct. 4 incident.

Starting sophomore cornerback M.J. Stewart and backup freshman cornerback Mike Hughes were arrested Thursday, and the school announced in a statement that both were indefinitely suspended from all football activities.

Stewart is charged with misdemeanor affray/assault and battery and turned himself in Thursday, according to an arrest report. "Affray" is defined as a fight between two or more people in a public place that disturbs the peace. He was released on $200 unsecured bond.

Hughes is charged with misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon/inflicting serious injury. He was arrested on a warrant out of Orange County, according to an arrest report, and is out on bond. Hughes' first court appearance is scheduled for Friday.

"We have been aware of this situation since the night of the altercation and have been working closely with the University and Chapel Hill Police to gather relevant information," coach Larry Fedora said Thursday. "We hold our players to a high standard, and M.J. and Mike will face the consequences for their involvement."

This is the second disciplinary action against Stewart at North Carolina. As a freshman, he was suspended for last season's opener for a violation of team rules.

A starter in all five games this season, Stewart's three interceptions and four pass breakups lead the Tar Heels, and he is fifth on the team with 20 tackles. Hughes appeared in all five games and has three tackles.

At 4-1, the Tar Heels are off to their best start since 2011, when they started 5-1. They host Wake Forest on Saturday following a bye week.

Earlier this month, North Carolina lost defensive tackle Aaron Crawford to season-ending surgery and junior linebacker Joe Jackson to a career-ending neck injury. Redshirt freshman tight end Caleb Samuel's career was also ended, in his case because of a heart condition.