Arkansas receiver Marquel Wade offered a public apology Monday for the flagrant penalty that resulted in his ejection during the Razorbacks’ 31-28 win at Vanderbilt.

One day later, the Southeastern Conference decided the apology wasn’t enough.

Wade was handed a one-game suspension by the SEC office because of his hit on Vanderbilt punt returner Jonathan Krause. The freshman, who has been a valuable contributor on special teams this season, will not play in No. 7 Arkansas’ game against No. 9 South Carolina on Saturday.

The conference office announced the suspension was handed down “upon review of game tapes,” according to an SEC press release. The press release refers to “Southeastern Conference Constitution, Article 4.4.2 (d), which states that a student-athlete may be suspended if it is determined that the student-athlete has committed a flagrant or unsportsmanlike act.”

Arkansas also issued a statement from coach Bobby Petrino on the matter.

“We have addressed the matter and will comply with the league’s decision,” Petrino said.

Wade’s biggest contributions this season have come as a punt returner and kick returner. He has lined up alongside Joe Adams on punt returns and is averaging 8.3 yards. He is a deep man, along with Dennis Johnson, on kickoff returns and is averaging 29.6 yards with an 85-yard touchdown.

— Robbie Neiswanger • Arkansas News Bureau