After getting arrested (and the comments that came afterwards), John Groce has suspended Darius Paul for the entire 2014-15 season. Check out some more information from The News-Gazette:
CHAMPAIGN — Illinois basketball coach John Groce on Tuesday announced sophomore forward Darius Paul would be suspended for the 2014-15 season.
Paul was arrested on April 22 when University of Illinois police say they observed him acting suspiciously. After running away, Paul was chased and tackled by an officer and charged with underage drinking and resisting an officer.
The 20-year-old transfer from Western Michigan was initially suspended indefinitely from the team until Groce’s announcement on Tuesday.
“After a thorough review of Darius’ year, which included multiple transgressions, I am suspending Darius from all team-related activities for the entire 2014-15 season,” Groce said in a statement. “As head coach, my concerns are always what is best for the University of Illinois, what is best for the men’s basketball program, and what is best for our student-athletes as people. I feel this penalty is necessary to help Darius as a person. We will continue to support him through this process.”
Paul is due back in court Friday at 9:30 a.m. for a status hearing.
During his suspension, Paul will not be on scholarship, meaning the UI has one available for the upcoming season.