The Morning Dish – Saturday, August 30th
Billiken Suspended: Saint Louis guard Reggie Bryant, a transfer from Villanova, was suspended for three games for his part in the Villanova phone card scandal last March. The suspensions were issued by the NCAA to Villanova student athletes for illegal use of a university phone card during the 2001-02 season. Bryant, who averaged 7.6 points per game at Villanova, transferred after the 2001-02 season, and sat out last year due to NCAA transfer rules. He’ll miss games against Eastern Kentucky, Savannah State and North Carolina A&T, but will be eligible for the December 2nd game against West Virginia.
Vol Arrested: Tennessee sophomore guard John Winchester was arrested Wednesday, charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Knoxville Police responded to a disturbance call at a convenience store, where Winchester ran up to officers and started yelling, preventing police from pursuing another suspect who was thought to have a gun. Both charges are misdemeanors, with combined bond on the two charges was set at $5,000.
Leaving Orono: The University of Maine announced that forward Rickey White, the leading scorer for the Black Bears last season, has left the team for personal reasons. White, who averaged 13.2 points last season, was first-team America East, and set a conference record by making over 66% of field goals. Head coach John Giannini stated that White needs to focus on family and personal matters.
Going Pro?: Former San Diego State guard Evan Burns has announced that he will attempt to enter the NBA Draft, either this coming June or in 2005. Evans, who was the Mountain West Freshman of the Year last season, was dismissed for academic reasons August 2nd. Burns is rehabbing from knee surgery, and has considered enrolling in a junior college or sign with another D-I school for his junior season.
