Run-ins with the law have become an unfortunate offseason re-occurrence for the University of Oregon football program over the last few years and it has struck again for the second time this offseason.
On June 12 at approximately 4:32 a.m. an off-duty Oregon State Police trooper spotted a vehicle headed south on Interstate 5 from Albany and called an on-duty trooper to advise him of the 2011 Nissan Altima rental car driving well over the 100mph mark.
The on-duty officer was headed north bound and turned into an emergency turnaround and clocked the vehicle at the 118 mph speed.
Once pulled over the officer identified the driver as 20-year old Oregon cornerback Cliff Harris. After calling in the license information it was also noted that Harris, who was awarded as the nation’s punt returner last season, had been driving with a suspended drivers license.
The officer cited Harris with two tickets, driving while Suspended and Exceeding the Speed Limit in Excess of 100 mph, 118 mph in a 65 mph zone.
The fine for driving over 100 mph in Oregon is $1,148.
A passenger of the car with a valid drivers license was then allowed to drive the vehicle away from the scene.
Harris exploded on the scene for the Ducks last season with six interceptions and setting a school-record with four punt return touchdowns.
Neither Harris or any Ducks officials were available for comment.
Last month teammate, linebacker Kiki Alonzo plead guilty to charges of criminal mischief and trespassing. The courts sentenced him to two years probation, 200 hours of community service and alcohol treatment.
Head Coach, Chip Kelly suspended him from the team indefinitely shortly after.
Alan K. Fox can be reached @ alanfoxjr@gmail.com or on Twitter @alankfox.
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