3 Basketball Gophers out; hoops fans disappointed

News that 2 Gopher Basketball players have been suspended made its way through the U of M campus on Wednesday. Freshman Royce White has been suspended indefinitely; teammate Devron Bostick received a similar punishment.

The U would only say Bostick violated team rules. White was recently cited for misdemeanor theft and assault after a shoplifting incident at the Mall of America.

"What are they doing? They know it's a privilege to be on the team and they should take it seriously," U Senior Breanna Kelm said. Kelm is a season ticket holder, and she is also on scholarship for academics. "I take it very seriously. I am really honored and I try to represent the University as best I can," she said.

"I think in general, Mbakwe shouldn't be off the team so I think that's another story," Kelm was quick to add. Forward Trevor Mbakwe was Tuesday's headline after U athletic director Joel Maturi decided he wouldn't play in any games until his upcoming felony aggravated assault trial wraps up in Florida in December.

University President Robert Bruininks declined to comment on the team's troubles. A spokesperson for athletics director Joel Maturi told KARE 11 he had nothing more to say. Maturi commented Monday after announcing Mbakwe wouldn't play, but he wouldn't comment on the two recent player suspensions.

Server Joe Bush at the Big Ten bar says his gophers look a lot different when compared to a week ago. "Its early. We don't know how it's going to shake out but it's frustrating. Preseason ranking of 18 really changes, all of the sudden," he said.

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