Aug 19, 2014 10:17 AM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

The University of Oklahoma (OU) Sooners have suspended Joe Mixon, their prized running back recruit, from the football team for the 2014 season.

According to the Oklahoman, Mixon pleaded not guilty Monday at his arraignment on a misdemeanor charge of assault. The Cleveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburn in Norman, Okla. charged Mixon Saturday and determined he inflicted "gross injury" on the victim.

Norman Police began investigating Mixon for assault in late July after an altercation at a local restaurant. Amelia Rae Molitor, 20, previously told the newspaper Mixon issued a homosexual slur at one of her friends, sparking a confrontation.

Though Mixon will not participate in any team activities this season, he is still a student at OU and is eligible for financial aid, the Oklahoman reported.

"We made a decision here today that was announced, and that's all I'm going to say about it," Sooners head football coach Bob Stoops told reporters after practice Monday. "I can't say anything else about it."

OU's athletic department released a joint statement on Twitter addressing Mixon's suspension, recommended by the school's Director of Athletics and accepted by University President David Boren.

Official Statement of The University of Oklahoma: pic.twitter.com/im5K96GnCE

— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) August 18, 2014

After he insulted her friend, surveillance footage shows Molitor approach Mixon, the Oklahoman reported. After she shoved him he lunged at her and, after Molitor slapped Mixon, he punched her in the face, knocking her unconscious and breaking four bones in her face.

Mashburn said the infliction of "gross injury," even on a misdemeanor charge, carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison. A five-star recruit who only just arrived on campus, Mixon was expected to be a key contributor to the Oklahoma Sooners this season.

Judge Steven Stice ordered either side not share the surveillance footage, prompting Kevin Finlay, Mixon's attorney, to ask the ruling to extend to law enforcement. Mixon was then released on his own recognizance after Assistant D.A. Tyler Box requested $1,000 bail, the Oklahoman reported.

Mixon's next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 23 at nine a.m. Classes at OU were scheduled to begin Monday.

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