Cris Love, who after spring practice held a slim lead in the race to be Iowa State’s starting quarterback this fall, has been suspended for one game after being charged with drunken driving and two traffic violations in early July in Buena Vista County.

Lt. Rick Henderson, commander of District 5 of the Iowa State Patrol, based in Cherokee, said Love was arrested by a state trooper around 9 p.m. July 3 on U.S. Highway 71 — about three miles southeast of the city of Storm Lake. Love was in a vehicle with one passenger, Henderson said.

According to court records, Love was charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, having a open container and speeding. His arraignment is scheduled for Monday, according to the online records.

Under Iowa law, conviction on drunken driving charges is punishable by up to two days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If Love is found guilty of an open container violation, he could face a fine of up to $100.

The ISU athletic department issued a short statement Tuesday announcing the suspension, but not the reason for it.

“This type of behavior is not consistent with the positive actions of student-athletes in this football program,” ISU head football coach Dan McCarney said. “I have spoken with Cris, and he understands that we do not tolerate this type of behavior.”

On March 25, 2001, Love was arrested in Ames and charged with underage possession of alcohol. He paid $145 in fines and court costs.

A junior-to-be from Round Rock, Texas, Love was the top backup to Seneca Wallace at quarterback in the 2001 and 2002 seasons after redshirting the 2000 season. Last season, he was 5—10 passing for 62 yards and one touchdown.

When Wallace was injured early in Iowa State’s Humanitarian Bowl loss to Boise State, Love stepped in and played most of the first half, finishing 2—4 passing for 23 yards and rushing three times for six yards.

After Love threw for two touchdowns in the Cyclones’ spring game in April, McCarney said Love had a tenuous hold on the starting post.

“Right now Cris Love has a very slight edge at the number one spot, but it’s still a three-man race,” McCarney said.

Junior college transfer Waye Terry and freshman Austin Flynn, both of whom redshirted last season and have not played for the Cyclones, are the other two players in the quarterback race. Terry missed most of spring practice with a broken thumb.

Love will miss the Cyclones’ season opener against Northern Iowa Aug. 30 at Jack Trice Stadium.

The ISU athletics department said McCarney and Love would not comment on the suspension.