Oregon distance runner A.J. Acosta is suspended indefinitely, the junior confirmed Sunday at the Pacific-10 Conference track and field championships at Hayward Field.
Oregon associate head coach Dan Steele would only say, “No comment” when asked about the suspension, and would not confirm it. UO distance coach Andy Powell would not confirm when asked, either.
Oregon Associate Athletic Director and Director of Oregon Track and Field Vin Lananna said he could not comment on team matters publicly.
But the athlete confirmed what other sources on the team have already told the Daily Emerald, that the San Diego, Calif., native was suspended three days after a May 2 incident in which freshman distance runner Luke Puskedra was taken to the hospital for stitches after an alcohol-related incident.
Acosta, 21, who said he was with Puskedra earlier in the night but was not present at that time that the freshman runner fell, has been recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot since the fall, and has not raced during the 2009 outdoor season.
Acosta said it was his role as an older runner on the team who was present for at least part of the night when drinking occurred – and that he broke curfew at the NCAA Indoor Championships in March with Puskedra – that likely led to his suspension.
“I was surprised,” Acosta said. “But they had to suspend someone.”
Powell delivered the news to Acosta on May 5, and the suspension has kept Acosta from practicing with the team, although he can receive treatment from the team’s medical staff while he recovers. He said he didn’t discuss the suspension with Lananna for a week.
“I understand where the judgment is coming from,” Acosta said. “It’s coming down from the top, and you have to respect the chain of command.”
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Duck runner Acosta suspended indefinitely
Daily Emerald
May 17, 2009
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