Oregon suspends PG Brooks for first game next season

Eugene, OR (Sports Network) - Oregon suspended point guard Aaron Brooks for two games next season for striking Washington's Ryan Appleby in the face with his forearm and elbow during last week's Pac-10 Tournament.

Brooks will miss the 2006-07 regular-season opener and not play in the Ducks' game against Washington, scheduled for January. 25, 2007 in Seattle.

It was midway through the first half of an 84-73 win over the Huskies last Thursday in the conference quarterfinals when Brooks hit Appleby. Brooks was ejected and Pac-10 officials then ruled that Brooks committed an act of fighting.

Brooks was suspended from Oregon's semifinal game on Friday, which the Ducks lost to California, 91-87, in double-overtime.

"This action by Oregon is commendable and appropriate given the vicious nature of Aaron Brooks' act, which caused a very serious injury to his opponent," Pac-10 Commissioner Tom Hansen said. "It underscores that unsportsmanlike acts during the playing of a contest are not acceptable in the Pac-10, and will not be condoned."

Brooks wrote letters of apology to Appleby and Washington coach Lorenzo Romar during the second half of last Thursday's game, and they were delivered to the Husky locker room. Brooks also publicly apologized for his actions during news conferences after games at the tournament.

"Aaron Brooks' actions are not indicative of what is expected of the student- athletes who represent the University of Oregon," said Oregon athletic director Bill Moos. "We pride ourselves on being known for good sportsmanship and proper demeanor on and off the field of competition. I feel that Aaron's suspensions will send a clear message to him and others that this type of behavior will not be tolerated."

Brooks averaged 10.8 points and 4.4 assists per game as a junior last season.

The Ducks finished the season with a losing record at 15-18 and were not eligible for a postseason tournament.

03/13 23:00:58 ET