A highly-regarded college quarterback from south Georgia has been suspended for obtaining a loan, which he subsequently lost while playing poker, according to reports.
Middle Tennessee suspended quarterback Dwight Dasher, who played for Charlton County High School, for accepting a $1,500 loan in violation of NCAA rules.
However, university officials also are asking the NCAA to reinstate him.
Athletic director Chris Massaro issued a statement before a news conference Friday. Dasher led the Blue Raiders to a 10-3 record last season and set a bowl rushing record with 201 yards in their 42-32 victory against Southern Mississippi in the New Orleans Bowl.
The Daily News Journal reports Dasher received money from 80-year-old Oliver Donnell. Donnell said Dasher lost the money in poker games.
Dasher, 22, will be allowed to practice with the Blue Raiders, but school officials expect him to miss some games. He is only the fourth player in NCAA history to post 2,500 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in the same season.
The Blue Raiders open the season Sept. 2 with a home game against Minnesota.
-- The Associated Press contributed to this report.