Grid Notes: Washington suspended

Defensive tackle Justin Washington has been away from the team for several days and on Tuesday Rich Rodriguez confirmed that Washington has been suspended.

Privacy laws prevent Rodriguez or anyone from the university from commenting on the reason for the suspension.

“For right now, he’s not practicing. He’s got to do some other things before we allow him to join the Wildcats.”

Washington was an All-Pac-10 performer and made some freshmen All-American teams. His sophomore season was not nearly as effective. Washington battled what was deemed a “stomach ailment” in the offseason and lost a lot of weight.

Due to injury Adam Hall was not part of the 105-man fall camp roster. Rodriguez admitted that he has not seen Hall since the initial team meeting before camp began. Rodriguez said they saw Hall before the meeting, but rules did not allow him to attend the meeting. Since then, Rodriguez has not seen or talked to Hall.

“I haven’t talked to him,” Rodriguez said. “I haven’t seen him.”

According to the coach Hall has had some contact with the medical staff, but has had no further contact with the coaching staff.

“Our trainers have tried to communicate with him, but we haven’t seen him yet,” Rodriguez added.

Rodriguez indicated he is supposed to meet with Hall on Thursday.

Hall’s long term role with the team could be in doubt. Hall had three options, and word from sources close to him indicate that he will give all three a thorough look before making final decision. Hall can either return to the program, transfer or pursue the NFL after the season…

After getting lucky with the monsoon weather during fall camp, the team has not been so lucky. Weather affected the team both Sunday and Tuesday. On Tuesday the offense actually finished their practice in the Richard Jefferson Gymnasium.

Rodriguez has not released a depth chart, nor has he singled out many players, but did explain that defensive end Dan Pettinato was playing well before he was injured. Pettinato will return, but may not be available for the season opener.

“It’s a shame he got hurt because we were really counting on him,” Rodriguez said.

“He’s a guy that would be in the mix when he’s healthy,” Rodriguez added.

One “defensive lineman” who will be available for the season opener is Taimi Tutogi. The running back is playing a lot on defense this fall.

“He’s played a lot of (defensive end) in the last couple of weeks,” Rodriguez said. “In certain situations, we won’t hesitate at all to put him in there at defensive end.”

Rodriguez said that the team not only has most of the offense installed, but probably has more plays than they need at this time. The team will actually pair down the number of plays for the Toledo game.