Hugh Kellenberger

The Clarion-Ledger

OXFORD -- Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze has suspended safety Trae Elston for the first half of Saturday's game against Texas A&M.

Elston made an attempt to kick Alabama running back Kenyan Drake during the first half of Saturday's game. Replays do not appear to show he actually did, and Freeze said he thought it may have been out of frustration and an attempt to get the ball. But Drake broke his leg on the play, only magnifying the incident.

Freeze said it was his decision, and he has informed the Southeastern Conference. It will uphold that suspension, and not issue further punishment.

"We want our players to uphold our values at all times," Freeze said. "We'll move forward from it, and Trae is a good kid. It was an attempt, in frustration, I think to knock the ball out after a third down was converted. He made a bad decision. I talked to Trae this morning and he understands that's not how we want to go about things. I don't think there was any intent to injure or hurt. It's very unfortunate that it happened on a play where a young man suffered an injury. Our thoughts are with him.

Elston is a three-year starter with 24 tackles this season, fifth on the team. He also has an interception and two pass break-ups.

Ole Miss is playing No. 14 Texas A&M and the No. 1 passing offense in the SEC on Saturday. Freeze said he expects sophomore David Kamara, freshmen C.J. Hampton and C.J. Moore and cornerback Mike Hilton to all be possibilities on Saturday.