Page "Lawrence Phillips" Paragraph 4

The following year, Phillips became an early front-runner for the Heisman Trophy.

During the Huskers ' win over Michigan State in their second game of the season, Phillips had 206 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on 22 carries.

After two games on the season, he was averaging more than 11 yards per carry and had scored six touchdowns.

After the team had returned from East Lansing, Michigan, Phillips was arrested for assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Kate McEwen, a basketball player for the Nebraska women's team.

Phillips was subsequently suspended from the Husker football team by head coach Tom Osborne.

The case became a source of great controversy and media attention, with perceptions arising that Osborne was coddling a star player by not kicking Phillips off the team permanently.

Osborne defended the decision, saying that abandoning Phillips might do more harm than good.

In Osborne's view, the best way to help Phillips was within the structured environment of the football program.

Osborne reinstated Phillips for the Iowa State game, although touted freshman Ahman Green continued to start.

Phillips also contributed against Kansas and Oklahoma.