The University of Cincinnati announced the suspension of 4 basketball players based off the fight that closed the Crosstown Shootout yesterday. Yancy Gates, Cheikh Mbodj and Octavius Ellis get 6 games for their actions. Ge’Lawn Guyn received a 1 game suspension. That means all 4 will miss the Wright State game Wednesday night. The others will miss games against Radford, Arkansas-Pine Bludd, Chicago State, Oklahoma and the Big East opener on New Year’s Day at Pittsburgh. The Big East could add on to the suspensions, which are pretty light all things considered. Especially for Gates and Mbodj, in my opinion.
UPDATE: From Koch, “The very unfortunate events that occurred in the final seconds of Saturday’s Cincinnati-Xavier basketball game have no place within intercollegiate athletics,” the Big East Conference said in a statement. “The University of Cincinnati has responded with swift, expeditious, and appropriate action, which the Big East fully supports.”
Here is the UC statement
“After reviewing all available video and giving due deliberation to the seriousness of this behavior, we have decided to take these actions,” said UC athletic director Whit Babcock. “We want to deal with this in a prompt and direct manner and send the message that we will not tolerate this from those who have the privilege of representing the University of Cincinnati.”
“We have advised the BIG EAST Conference of our decision and the measures we’re taking. I’m thankful for the full support of (UC) President (Gregory H.) Williams and (UC men’s basketball head coach) Mick Cronin.”
“Further, I want to apologize to our students, alumni, faculty and staff, as well as to our fans and community. We hold our student-athletes to a very high standard and take very seriously the role that our entire department plays in reflecting the overall image of this great university. We will continue to work diligently to represent the Bearcat family and the Cincinnati community in a first-class manner. There will be zero tolerance for a repeat of this behavior.”
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