Report: Nose tackle Robert Barber’s expulsion reduced to a supension|Wash St Hot Topics|Team BattleGround|College BattleGround

Stefanie Loh of the Seattle Times reports that Barber will now appeal the suspension, which runs through July 2017.

Washington State nose tackle Robert Barber’s expulsion from the university has been reduced to a suspension, according to Stefanie Loh of the Seattle Times.

The suspension is expected to run through July 2017, though Loh reports that Barber will appeal the ruling in hopes of getting the suspension delayed until spring semester.

Barber, who has 10 days to appeal, will be allowed to play against Arizona State this weekend pending the appeal process. The senior is close to obtaining his degree.

Barber was expelled from Washington State last month for his role in a July altercation that left several students injured, including one who suffered a broken jaw. Barber and redshirt freshman T.J. Fehoko were arrested for their role in the July incident, though both players have yet to be charged with a crime.

In a press conference last month, the Pullman Police Department recommended that both players be charged with second-degree assault, a Class B felony in the state of Washington. Loh reports that Chief Deputy Prosecutor Dan LeBeau has received the investigation file, though the off no timetable for a charging decision in the the case.

While his expulsion has been under appeal, which included a 20 day window to file, Barber has been allowed to play for the Cougars, starting every game at nose tackle.

Barber will likely use the full 10 days allowed to appeal his suspension, meaning he’ll be eligible to play against the Sun Devils and Oregon State. Beyond that is up to the appeals board, as anything less than a delayed suspension would result in Barber’s collegiate career coming to an end.

This story will be updated.