Warriors Brown, Bright suspended

Two Hawaii football starters — outside linebacker Aaron Brown and left wideout Darius Bright — have been suspended in the aftermath of their arrests Sunday morning.

Brown and Bright are accused of third-degree assault, a misdemeanor, for their alleged involvement in a fight at the Zanzabar Nightclub in Waikiki.

Both posted bond Sunday and were released.

Citing the code of conduct in the UH student-athlete handbook, head coach Greg McMackin suspended both players from team-related activities. The code classifies arrests as being "major misconduct" violations.

The Warriors open their season Saturday against Colorado at Aloha Stadium.

McMackin said Brown and Bright will not be allowed to participate in practices or attend team meetings while suspended. But they will remain on scholarship, and will still be expected to attend classes and be allowed to use the weight and training rooms.

McMackin said both players notified him of their arrests Sunday morning. McMackin then contacted UH athletic director Jim Donovan.

"I will evaluate the situation when I get all of the information, and will then take appropriate action," McMackin said.

McMackin is scheduled to meet with both players this morning. The coach then will forward his recommendation to Donovan.

If the players disagree with the impending punishment, they have two avenues of appeals — to Donovan and to Francisco Hernandez, UH-Manoa’s vice chancellor for students.

Brown, a fifth-year senior, was the Warriors’ third-leading tackler with 83 in 2010. He also had five sacks and three interceptions.

Brown is considered one of the defensive leaders. During unsupervised workouts in June, he provided the water and orchestrated the drills. He did not participate in most of training camp because of a tight hamstring.

Darryl McBride will replace Brown on the first team.

Bright, a fourth-year junior who redshirted last season, was named the replacement for left wideout Rodney Bradley, who completed his UH eligibility.

Bright was held out of several practices because of a sprained big toe on his right foot.

Bright’s immediate backup is Allen Sampson, a converted slotback. Charles Clay and Joe Avery are listed as the other left wideouts.