Jan. 12, 2007

IRVING, Texas (AP) -Oklahoma center Longar Longar was suspended for two games by the Big 12 Conference Friday for elbowing Texas Tech's Esmir Rizvic last week.

Rizvic's eye socket was fractured as a result of the contact, which occurred as Longar tried to create room against Rizvic's pressing defense along the sideline.

Big 12 commissioner Kevin Weiberg ruled that Longar's move violated the conference's principles and standards of sportsmanship.

"On the play, Mr. Longar leads with a high elbow as he pivots after catching an inbound pass. His elbow made severe and excessive contact with the face of the Texas Tech player causing significant injury," Weiberg said in a statement. "While I do not believe Mr. Longar intended to cause serious injury, and he has no prior history of this kind of incident, I view this as a dangerous and unacceptable play. Therefore, a suspension from competition is warranted.

"We simply must convey a message that this kind of play will not be condoned."

Longar will miss Oklahoma's games at Texas on Saturday and at home against Nebraska on Wednesday. Oklahoma appealed the decision, and it was upheld by the Big 12's sportsmanship appeal board.