WSU football redshirt senior nose tackle Robert Barber was not at practice on Wednesday, and according to The Spokesman-Review it appears his appeal to postpone his suspension until next semester has been denied.

The University Conduct Board originally ruled in September to expel Barber after an investigation into a fight over the summer in which he allegedly assaulted a student. He appealed the decision and the punishment was reduced to a suspension.

Barber then appealed for the suspension to start in the spring, which would allow him to compete in the rest of the football season. His absence at practice could be an indicator that his appeal was denied, meaning he would be suspended until July 2017, but he is currently still listed on the roster at wsucougars.com.

Adam Jussel, director of the Office of Student Conduct, could not be reached for comment.

WSU football Head Coach Mike Leach told The Spokesman-Review after practice on Wednesday that he believes Barber is still part of the team, citing five years of hard work and dedication to the program, and he hopes justice comes through in the end.

He told The Spokesman-Review he did not know whether Barber would return to practice this week.

Pullman Police conducted an investigation as well and recommended second-degree assault charges against Barber to the Whitman County Prosecutor’s office, though The Seattle Times reported the prosecutor has not decided whether to charge Barber.

Reporting by Nick Thomas