SAN DIEGO - San Diego State says the NCAA has suspended freshman forward Winston Shepard for three games for violating an unspecified rule.

SDSU officials said it has appealed the penalty, but the suspension will be enforced during the process. Shepard was to begin serving the suspension Tuesday night, when the No. 25 Aztecs hosted San Diego Christian. He's also due to miss games at Missouri State and at home against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

The school declined to provide specifics, saying only that the player inadvertently violated a rule and that the coaching staff reported it to the compliance staff, which self-reported it to the NCAA.

Shepard will continue to practice with the team.