Oregon cornerback Cliff Harris was stopped by Oregon State Police for driving 118 mph in a 65-mph zone with a suspended license early Sunday on Interstate 5 south of Albany.
At least two other members of the Ducks football team were passengers in the car, according to OSP spokesman Lt. Gregg Hastings. The identities of those players will not be released, Hastings said, as they were not cited.
Hastings also said that Harris, 20, was cooperative and that there was no evidence of impairment.
"We are obviously very disappointed in the lack of judgment exercised by Cliff and feel it's unacceptable," Oregon head football coach Chip Kelly said in a statement issued Monday afternoon. "I've said from the beginning that it should be a privilege to play football at the University of Oregon. With that said, individuals must bear the responsibilities for their own behavior. Once we have finished collecting all the information in this situation, we will determine the appropriate action."
Harris, who will be a junior next season, was spotted at 4:32 a.m. by an off-duty officer, who contacted a trooper patrolling the area, according to a statement from the OSP.
Harris, who was driving a rented 2011 Nissan Altima, was cited for driving while suspended and exceeding the speed limit in excess of 100 mph.
By law, being stopped for driving over 100 mph carries a fine of $1,148. Harris also must pay an additional $427 for driving on a suspended license.
Harris' license issues began on Dec. 11, 2009, when he was cited for minor in possession of alcohol. On Jan. 5, 2010, the Fresno, Calif., native was caught speeding and also was cited for operating a vehicle without driving privileges and for driving uninsured.
Those fines totaled $486.25 and went unpaid before being turned over to a collections agency in July of 2010.
Harris was named All-American by the Pro Football Writers Association of America after returning four punts for touchdowns, an interception for another score, and leading the Pac-10 with six interceptions last season.
Despite his electrifying performances on the field, Oregon coaches often mentioned Harris' need to mature off of it. But during spring practice, Harris and his coaches talked of his newfound maturity and team leadership.
-- John Hunt
The national media is busy justifying this and sweeping it squarely under the rug, alongside what Colt McCoy's wife said about Texas athletes getting what sounded like improper benefits.
