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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 11:12 p.m., Thursday, February 7, 2008

UH's Graunke confident he'll return from suspension

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff

Tyler Graunke, who was expected to enter spring practice as the University of Hawai'i football team's No. 1 quarterback, has been suspended for breaking team-related rules.

While suspended, Graunke will not be allowed to participate in the Warriors' off-season conditioning program. He has been told he needs to meet certain conditions to be reinstated in time for the start of spring practice in late March.

UH head coach Greg McMackin could not be immediately reached for comment last night.

Graunke acknowledged the suspension, but insisted the matter can be resolved by the end of next week.

"When I heard 'suspended' it sounds a little extreme," Graunke said. "I have some things I have to take care of as far as school. There are a lot of academic issues."

McMackin and Graunke met Wednesday afternoon.

According to Graunke, McMackin "told me to take a break from football, take care of what I need to do, and I'll be back. It's not a punishment. It's not a law-and-order problem. It's something I have to deal with."

Graunke said he hopes "to be back" Monday. "It'll be a week at the most," he said.

Graunke is a fifth-year senior.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.