JONESBORO, Ark. (AP) -Arkansas State running back Preston Brown has been suspended for the 2008 season along with defensive back Marlon Douglas.

Coach Steve Roberts announced the season-long suspensions Monday, saying the pair had violated team rules.

Brown and Douglas are to appear in court later this month on residential burglary and theft charges, according to the Craighead County prosecutor's office.

The players had already been indefinitely suspended after their arrests.

``This is obviously a disappointing situation, but after sorting through all the information we felt this decision was in the best interest of our university and our football program,'' Roberts said. ``We don't know at this time if Preston Brown and Marlon Douglas will return for the 2009 season.''

Brown rushed for 298 yards and caught 20 passes as a redshirt freshman last season. Douglas, who was also a redshirt freshman, played in two games.