and M University's soccer programme following an incident during a recent match against rivals University of Kentucky.

School athletic director Gene Bright confirmed that the young striker will not be allowed to play for the school again until the 1994 season.

"I suspended Corey Hill for unsportsmanlike behaviour,'' said Bright from his office on the school's campus in Normal, Alabama. "He was fighting and while he may not have provoked the fight, he did not walk away.

"And in order to keep the whole programme from going down the drain I had to suspend Corey. He must learn to restrain his temper.'' Hill was sent off five minutes from the end of the game -- Alabama's last of the season -- with his side leading 4-0. And to make matters worse he shouted profanities at the referee and continued to taunt an opposing player following the match, however Hill disputed Bright's contention that he was fighting.

It is understood that the referee submitted a report to the NCAA and to help calm the waters Bright chose to suspend Hill.

"The man (Bright) did what he had to do,'' said Hill, who was told of the suspension during a meeting with Bright on Wednesday. "I'm not going to blame anybody for my actions.

"I have to respect the man's position. He has to set an example and protect the programme whether its me or anybody else.'' Hill added that all is not lost with the possibility of the ban being rescinded if things `blow over' by the time next season rolls around. He has apologised to the team and coach and is prepared to sit out the year.

"It's not as bad as people may think,'' said Hill, a junior majoring in Urban Development. "Anyway I'm here to get an education and being suspended will allow me to concentrate more academically.

"I'm not thinking about transferring or anything like that.'' This past year has been somewhat of a roller coaster for Hill.

Before the start of the season he was handed a two-match ban and had his partial scholarship revoked because he returned to play with local club Hamilton Parish during the school year.

He followed this by being selected to the All-tournament team at a competition in Charlotte, North Carolina and enjoyed his best season in the US, leading the team with 44 points (17 goals and 10 assists) and being ranked among the nation's leading marksmen.

Last week he was featured on ESPN network's Black College Sports Today programme where he was asked questions about Bermuda and a clip of him scoring a goal for Alabama was also shown.

But frustration was voiced by Hill and several of the other Bermudians players over the ranking system used nationally and in the Southern Region where Alabama competes.

Alabama, a predominantly black school, failed to receive a ranking regionally or nationally despite an impressive 16-2 record. They were not even invited to a postseason tournament and some have hinted at this being racially motivated.

There was also bad news for local clubs awaiting players return for the Christmas break as, according to Bright, none of the present members of the soccer programme will be permitted to play with local clubs over the holidays.

"We got involved with a lot of red tape when he (Hill) went home and played with his club last Christmas,'' said Bright. "We got into serious trouble with the NCAA and barely got off the hook.'' Bright added that he wished players could participate in the domestic league, which he said might help improve their games, but stated that the NCAA does not allow them to include outside matches in their schedule.

The ramifications of contravening this law is a possible loss of scholarship and eligibility as well as the institution being subject to disciplinary action which could include the `death penalty' -- suspension of the programme.

Underlying good news for Parish is that while Hill's suspension is in effect he is allowed to play for the club as long as he does not receive any outside financing. And with them dwelling at the foot of the tables the diminutive forward could be a welcome boost.

However, fellow Bermudians overseas in college, including Stanton Lewis, Richard Todd, Maceo Dill, Shawn Russell -- all at Alabama -- and national team goalkeeper Dwayne (Streaker) Adams (at High Point University) could bring out the NCAA `watch-dogs' if they do decide to participate.

BANNED -- Corey Hill will be out of college action for a year but will be able to play for Hamilton Parish.