Marve Suspended For Opener

University of Miami quarterback Robert Marve was told Friday he has been suspended for the season opener against Charleston Southern, his former high school coach and others confirmed Saturday. The suspension stems from an incident last year in Coconut Grove.

Freshman Jacory Harris is expected to start Miami's opener Thursday.

However, associates say Marve indicated coaches reaffirmed their faith in him during the Friday meeting. The former Plant High star is expected to be named starting quarterback when Coach Randy Shannon reveals the depth chart today. Marve is expected to start Sept. 6 against Florida in Gainesville.

"Robert is upset. Robert's family is upset. We were having trouble seeing the wisdom of how an incident from last season is being handled," Eugene Marve, Robert's father and a former NFL linebacker, told The Miami Herald on Saturday by phone. "But at the end of the day we have to say that his actions created this.

"A swift punishment brings correction, and punishment delayed could bring bitterness. Hopefully, there will be a careful balance of punishment and support."

Eugene Marve, who lives in Tampa, said he was told of the suspension and the punishment was for one game only.

"I learned about it before today," Marve said without divulging to whom he spoke. "The university notified me personally."

A Miami official declined to say if Marve has been suspended.

"Robert is the consummate team player," Plant coach Robert Weiner said. "He will do whatever he needs to do to help his team perform their best. He is the ultimate teammate and will respond that way."

Weiner declined to comment further. Marve was unavailable for comment.

Marve was initially charged with two misdemeanors - resisting arrest without violence and minor criminal mischief - after an incident Halloween night in Coconut Grove. According to Miami-Dade County criminal records, the prosecution decided not to pursue the case.