SALT LAKE CITY — Utah linebacker Nai Fotu, who was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail Sunday morning for investigation of driving under the influence, has been suspended by coach Kyle Whittingham. His future with the Utes is unclear after Whittingham released a statement on Monday.
"Effective immediately, Nai Fotu has been suspended from our football team until further notice," Whittingham said.
According to the Utah Highway Patrol, Fotu was pulled over Sunday about 2 a.m. after troopers spotted his 2002 Ford Explorer driving the wrong way on SR-201. Fotu failed his field sobriety test, including blowing a .218 on his breath test, nearly three times the legal limit, according to the UHP.
Fotu was arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of DUI, having an open container, driving the wrong way and not having a valid license.
Utah begins spring practices on March 8 and Fotu was expected to compete for a starting job. The senior, who has also seen action on the defensive line, missed all of last season while recovering from a knee injury. In 38 career games with the Utes, Fotu is credited with 69 tackles (37 solo), 12.5 tackles-for-loss and six sacks. The 6-foot, 235-pounder has made nine starts.
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