From staff reports

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State redshirt freshman kicker Eric Richards has been suspended indefinitely for violation of team policies, coach Sylvester Croom announced today.

“I’m disappointed in Eric’s lack of judgment,” Croom said. “We talk to our guys about their actions and decisions away from the football field on a regular basis and they know that bad decisions carry consequences.”

Croom said he will not comment further regarding the matter.

Richards was a highly prized recruit out of Warren Central in 2006. Several scouting services had him ranked among the top kickers in the country. He booted 12 field goals in his high school career, with a long of 48 yards, and averaged 36.9 yards per punt in his senior season. He was an all-state kicker in 2005.

His career at Mississippi State has been a mixed bag, though. He broke his foot in the first week of practice and missed all of last season, then suffered a hip injury in preseason practice this year that limited him. He has played sparingly this season, kicking off just five times in eight games. He has not attempted a PAT or field goal.