Arizona running back Ka'Deem Carey is many things entering the 2013 season: the nation's leading rusher, a first-team All-Pac-12 honoree and consensus All-American, one of the favorites to win the Doak Walker Award, a viable NFL Draft prospect and in striking distance of several Arizona career records.
Carey will not, however, be the face of the Wildcats in one significant respect, as the school has decided against selling his No. 25 jersey this season. Instead, coaches and athletic department officials made the decision to highlight the No. 33 worn by senior linebacker Jake Fischer, the Arizona Daily Wildcat reported.
It shouldn't be a surprise considering Carey was involved in two headline-grabbing incidents in the offseason. He was charged with misdemeanor assault and disorderly conduct last December, though the city of Tucson decided last month not to prosecute. Carey was also ejected from a Wildcats basketball game in January after getting into a verbal altercation with campus police.
It does serve as just another reminder of the lasting impact off-field conduct can have, even trickling down to what fans in the stands will wear.
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