STANFORD, Calif. – In a rarity for a prestigious academics university that prides itself on a higher standard, Stanford had a player get into trouble with the law.
Star linebacker Shayne Skov was arrested and jailed last weekend for driving under the influence.
A Stanford University Department of Public Safety spokesman said Skov was arrested for driving under the influence Sunday at about 2 a.m. The incident, first reported by The Stanford Daily student newspaper Monday night, occurred on campus.
Skov was pulled over in the parking lot of his dormitory after his vehicle swerved several times, SUDPS spokesman Bill Larson said. Skov was booked at the Santa Clara County jail, he said, and the case is being turned over to the Palo Alto District Attorney's office.
"We have an expected standard of excellence and conduct for our players and Shayne failed to adhere to those standards," Stanford coach David Shaw said in a statement released through a team spokesman. "It's a matter we are taking very seriously. Shayne will be responsible to adhere to any legal responsibilities regarding this event along with ramifications which will be determined by the program."
Skov's signature Mohawk and liberal display of eye black made him the unquestioned face and leader of Stanford's defense.
Skov led the Cardinal with 84 tackles and had 7½ sacks two years ago. He tore a ligament in his left knee in the third game of the 2011 season, sidelining him for the year and likely through most of spring practice.
The senior figured to be preparing for the NFL draft right now. Instead, his career took a big detour in a victory at Arizona on Sept. 17 and so did Stanford's national championship hopes.
Moving in to make a tackle in the second quarter, Skov had his left knee buckle when Wildcats receiver Juron Criner barreled into him. Stanford announced the next day that Skov was done for the year, putting the go-hard-all-the-time linebacker on the shelf and ending thoughts of heading to the NFL early.
Stanford also could've used his presence in the two biggest games of the year.
A 53-30 loss to Oregon cost the Cardinal a chance at a Pac-12 championship and a BCS championship, with LaMichael James leading the Ducks stampede past Stanford defenders. The Cardinal finished with an 11-2 record, including a 41-38 overtime loss in the Fiesta Bowl to Oklahoma State.
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Follow Antonio Gonzalez at: www.twitter.com/agonzalezAP
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