Off-Court Player Issues

Creighton G P'Allen Stinnett Suspended Indefinitely

Press Release — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:21:28 -0500

OMAHA, Neb. -- Creighton men's basketball head coach Dana Altman has announced the indefinite suspension of P'Allen Stinnett for conduct not acceptable to the team.

Stinnett, a junior guard from Las Vegas, Nevada, is the team's second-leading scorer at 9.2 points per game and has started 15-of-20 games this season.

Creighton, tied for third place in the Missouri Valley Conference, plays next at Bradley on Wednesday.

Altman stated he would have no additional comment on the matter at this time.

-- Creighton Sports Information

-- For more info, see the following story in the Omaha World-Herald

Tyler Smith's Sad Story

Jason Brubaker — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:35:47 -0500

It shouldn't have ended like this.

The happy ending was all that was missing from Tyler Smith's tale. A versatile forward who came to Knoxville three years ago to be closer to his ailing father, Smith had the perfect script. A transfer loaded with ability who seemed destined for an NBA future. A kid who returns to his roots and makes good on his immense potential to honor the memory of his father. It was all right there for him.

Now? Smith is in basketball purgatory, thanks to his dismissal from the Tennessee program following his arrest for gun possession. Smith returned to Knoxville for his senior year to improve his NBA stock and lead Tennessee on a deep tournament run. Instead, he's now hoping just to avoid a jail sentence.

The details have been released, analyzed, picked apart and rehashed all over sports radio for the past week. Smith, along with three teammates, were pulled over in Knoxville. A search of their vehicle turned up drugs, as well as two guns. Smith was first suspended, then dismissed by Coach Bruce Pearl, and now awaits possible weapons charges. A once-promising future is now very cloudy.

And that's what is sad. We should be talking about Smith's NBA stock climbing as he shows a consistent jumps hot and more leadership skills this year. We could be talking about whether Tennessee can be a legitimate threat to Kentucky in the SEC East. We could even be talking about who is the better prospect for Tennessee, Smith or SG Scotty Hopson. But we definitely should not be talking about whether Smith will spend the next phase of his life in a jail cell.

For his part, Smith has owned up to the mistake, offering no excuses. In a released statement, Smith apologized for his actions, and thanked the university for their support during his time there.

“I'm truly sorry for my actions,” he said. “My recent actions do not reflect who I am, and I can only hope that what I do in the future can make everyone believe in me again.”

But even with the apology, basketball fans have to feel cheated. Here was a guy with enormous talent, a guy who was certain to turn his talent into a large paycheck somewhere, a guy who was the face of a prominent basketball team in one of the biggest conferences in the country...and he threw all of that away.

See, there are millions of kids across the country who dream of one day playing big-time college basketball. The vast majority of them never get to realize that dream, instead having to resort to following their favorite athletes and teams and living vicariously through them. For many, the closest they'll get to a Division I basketball court is buying a ticket and plopping down in the stands. No matter how hard they work, they just simply don't have the ability.

But Smith did. Blessed with great size, he was a walking mismatch with the ball skills of a guard but the height to play in the post. He had great court version, often playing as a point forward for Pearl, and he had an enormous reserve of energy and passion that was evident every time he took the court. He had an inconsistent but improving jump shot, good athleticism and a penchant for being a tough defender. In short, he had the type of skills that many young kids all over would kill for. And now, it all appears to be wasted.

Now Smith may still find his way into the NBA. The investigation of the case is still underway, and it's very possible he could avoid any real punishment outside of some community service. But the damage may be done. Smith was a borderline first-round pick entering the season, needing to show some progress on the court to creep comfortably into the first round. Now, not only does he not get the chance to do that, but he also will face questions about his character and maturity. NBA general managers don't always make wise decisions, but you'd be hard-pressed to find one who will get excited about a small forward with a shaky jumper and a criminal record.

It didn't have to be this way. Smith was supposed to come back as a senior and be the unquestioned leader of a team that is on the way up. He was supposed to honor the memory of his father by fulfilling his potential and blossoming into a professional.

Instead, he was forced to watch Tennessee's upset over #1 Kansas on Sunday as a fan, watching his former teammates play better without him than they had at times with him. It had to hurt, and it should have. Smith threw away a golden opportunity, and he has no one to blame but himself.

It was supposed to be a different story this year for Smith. We were waiting for a happy ending. Instead, the story, like his career, ends all too abruptly.

A sad story indeed.

Mayo Mess: USC Imposes Sanctions

Press Release — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 15:26:29 -0500

Los Angeles, Calif. - The University of Southern California (USC) today announced that it has implemented self-imposed sanctions on its men’s basketball program for violating NCAA rules.

The sanctions are a result of a University investigation that found NCAA rules violations related to O.J. Mayo, who played for the USC’s men’s basketball team during the 2007-2008 season.

“USC takes allegations of NCAA rules violations very seriously. When allegations were made regarding our men’s basketball program we immediately began an investigation and worked closely with the NCAA and the Pac-10 in an attempt to ascertain the truth,” said USC Athletic Director Mike Garrett. “When we’ve done something wrong, we have an obligation to do something about it and that is exactly what we are doing here.”

The self-imposed sanctions for the men’s basketball program include a one-year ban on post-season competition following the 2009-2010 regular season, including the Pac-10 Conference basketball tournament; a reduction of one scholarship for the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 academic years; a reduction by one of the number of coaches permitted to engage in off-campus recruiting activities during the summer of 2010, and a reduction in the total number of recruiting days by twenty days (from 130 to 110) for the 2010-2011 academic year.

In addition, because of Mayo’s involvement with Rodney Guillory, whom under NCAA rules became a USC booster due to his role in Mayo’s recruitment, USC will vacate all wins during the 2007-2008 regular season, which was when Mayo competed while ineligible. USC will also return to the NCAA the money it received through the Pac-10 Conference for its participation in the 2008 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament.

These self-imposed sanctions impact only the men’s basketball program, and do not affect any other program.

“We have very high standards for our faculty, athletic department, staff and students,” said USC Senior Vice President Todd R. Dickey. “We expect and demand that everyone associated with the University live up to these standards. Nothing is more important than the integrity of this institution and its people.”

Mr. Garrett said, “We believe the self-imposed sanctions are consistent with penalties imposed at other NCAA member institutions which have been cited with similar rules infractions. Although we are disappointed that rules were violated, we look forward to moving past this matter and to the future success of our men’s basketball program.”

Kevin O’Neill, head men’s basketball coach for USC added, "I think the University did the right thing in self-imposing sanctions. I respect and understand the action that was taken. Our players have risen to many challenges already this season and I am proud of what they have accomplished. I am confident that they will rise to this latest challenge.

“As their coach, I will do everything in my power to make our program better on and off the court every day,” he said. “Our job as a team now is to move forward in a positive manner. We have 16 games left to play this season. I have no doubt that our players will prepare and play well in those games. While it is unfortunate that our players won't have the chance to compete in the post-season, that just makes every game for us now a post-season game.”

Mr. Garrett concluded, “While we recognize there may be additional questions about our announcement today or other alleged NCAA infractions, until the NCAA concludes its inquiries, we cannot make any further comment.”

Baylor G Tweety Carter Suspended

Press Release — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:26:59 -0500

WACO, Texas – Senior Tweety Carter, who averaged 10.6 ppg last year, has been suspended for the first four games of the 2009-10 season for an undisclosed team rules violation, Baylor head men’s basketball coach Scott Drew announced Friday.

The Reserve, La., native will miss Baylor’s non-conference games against Norfolk State (Nov. 13), Hartford (Nov. 15), Southern (Nov. 16) and Hardin-Simmons (Nov. 22). Carter will return to the Baylor lineup for the Bears’ Thanksgiving Day game vs. Alabama in the first round of the Old Spice Classic in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

-www.BaylorBears.com-

How many games do you expect the NCAA to have Renardo Sidney sit out?

Raphielle Johnson — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:27:42 -0500

Juan Pattillo Dismissed by Oklahoma, Will Transfer

Press Release — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:12:21 -0400

NORMAN, Okla. - University of Oklahoma men's basketball head coach Jeff Capel announced today that junior Juan Pattillo has been dismissed from the OU squad for violating team policy.

Pattillo, a 6-6, 216-pound forward from Las Vegas, Nev., played in 18 games this past season and averaged 6.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocked shots in 15.0 minutes per outing. He scored a high of 15 points against Kansas Feb. 23 and grabbed a high of 10 rebounds against Baylor Feb. 11. Over OU's four NCAA Tournament games, he averaged 3.3 points and 3.0 boards.

Capel said that he will have no comment on the matter.

Oklahoma Suspends Patillo For Saturday Game

Press Release — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:55:31 -0500

NORMAN, Okla. - University of Oklahoma men's basketball head coach Jeff Capel announced this evening that junior forward Juan Pattillo will miss Saturday's game at Texas Tech for violating a team rule.

Pattillo, a 6-6, 216-pound forward from Las Vegas, Nev., is averaging 7.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in his 11 games since coming out of redshirt status on Jan. 12. He is averaging 16.5 minutes per contest.

- OU -

Battered and Bloodied: The Year in College Basketball Videos

Matthew Ryter — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:39:37 -0500

This college basketball season has been an interesting one to say the least. Like any other year we have seen teams rise and fall. We have seen great individual performances, nail biting games, and buzzer beaters…but this year has also been entertaining for other reasons. There have been ejections, cheap shots, and even a face stomp. Here’s a collection of videos on the “controversial” events that have occurred already this season…

Taxicab Confession

Ole Miss coach Andy Kennedy was arrested on December 18 for punching a Cincinnati cab driver and shouting racial slurs at him. The cab driver told police that he picked up Kennedy and his friends after they were kicked out of a bar. The problem apparently began when the cab driver instructed Kennedy that there wasn’t enough room for everyone to fit in the cab. Since the arrest, a police video has been released of the incident. I hope HBO airs this on an episode of Taxicab Confessions.

Pat Knight’s Impersonation of Usain Bolt

Texas Tech coach Pat Knight decided to take a page out of his father’s book in his latest tirade. The Red Raiders coach Usain Bolted out onto the court to argue a call in a recent game against Nebraska. Coach Knight confronted one official on the far sideline, who assessed him his first technical, and then confronted another official at midcourt, who then assessed the coach with another technical. Both techs led to his ejection. His assistant coaches then led him off the floor, but Knight wasn’t finished. He ran back to midcourt to let the refs hear more about his side of things.

Slap Heard Around the World

Miami Florida guard Jack McClinton doesn’t like to play nice. McClinton was ejected after slapping Ohio State guard Anthony Crater in the face during their ACC-Big Ten Challenge matchup in December. McClinton was standing in front of the Ohio State bench when the altercation occurred. He was apparently reacting to Crater swiping at him. Video

Do you remember the first slap that had donned this title? For those of you who watch MTV’s Real World you might. It’s the infamous Stephen vs. Irene fight in Real World Seattle. Stephen slapped Irene right in the face as she jumped in the car. This is right after he threw one of her stuffed animals in the river. Stand up guy.

Below The Belt

USC’s Leonard Washington was ejected after delivering a low blow to Preseason All-American Blake Griffin. The refs called a foul and reviewed the play. Upon seeing the cheap shot they assessed a flagrant foul on Washington and he was ejected from the game. Griffin immediately hit the floor after getting the wind, amongst other things, knocked out of him. Washington played his own version of just the tip.

Disney’s Stomp the Yard…or Face?

Houston’s Aubrey Coleman may have thought he was auditioning for his own version of a Disney movie. Coleman stepped directly onto Arizona forward Chase Budinger’s face. I am honestly surprised there wasn’t more retaliation. This may have been the dirtiest play of all time. Budinger got up fast and luckily other players and refs intervened rather quickly so nothing further happened.

Throw Them Bows

Michigan’s Manny Harris’ flagrant flying elbow on Purdue’s Chris Kramer got him ejected. I was watching this game, from my couch with my snuggie (half joking), and didn’t think Harris deserved to be ejected. There are ways to swing through and then there are ways not to swing through. He was making a “basketball” move. He was trying to create space and don’t think he was making this in a malicious way. Its unfortunate that Kramer was injured on the play and I think in the end the correct call was made.

Brotherly Love

Providence guard Jeff Xavier was driving to the lane when he was inadvertently hit in the eye on his way to the basket. Xavier immediately hit the floor, followed by his brother. Jonathan Xavier, Jeff’s brother, ran down the stairs of the Dunkin Donuts Center, hopped over the Marquette bench and approached a referee. All of this happened while Geoff McDermott was on the foul line. I think this is the closest a Friar fan has come to rushing the court since the 90’s.

Unfriendly Owl

I have seen mascots fighting mascots and plenty of antics that these usually friendly and furry creatures get themselves into, but this is something entirely different. Rice’s Sammy the Owl was ejected from a game against Tulane after head butting a ref. He used his giant foam head to get his point across. His loyalty to the team is no longer questioned.

Krabbenhoft's Cheap Shot: Clip of the Day

Shawn Siegel — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 01:54:21 -0500

Clip of the Day

Thanks to the genius of YouTube, the world has access to thousands of great college basketball videos to keep us busy every second of every day. We'll be featuring daily movies to whet your college basketball appetite. Even if you've seen them before, some clips are just too good not to watch again and again.

Joe Krabbenhoft: Cheap Shot

A few days ago, Houston's Auburey Coleman took a lot of guff for stepping on Chase Budinger's face. Then on Tuesday night, Joe Krabbenhoft drops this malicious elbow against Purdue. Coleman, at least, was suspended for a game.. while Krabbenhoft wasn't even called for a foul. If you haven't seen this play yet.. here ya go:

- Watch all of CHN's favorite College Basketball Videos!

- Also check out past Cheerleaders of the Day!

- And finally the Picture of the Day!

Clip of the Day: Aubrey Coleman Steps on Budinger's Face

Shawn Siegel — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:00:02 -0500

Clip of the Day

Aubrey Coleman Steps on Chase Budinger's Face

Houston's Coleman, who has now been suspended for a game by the CUSA, blatantly steps on Chase Budinger's head. Never a good sign when they only reason people know you now exist is because you're a dope.

- Watch all of CHN's favorite College Basketball Videos!

- Also check out past Cheerleaders of the Day!

- And finally the Picture of the Day!