The Morning Dish – Saturday, September 20th
Checking Work: Brigham Young University is getting involved in the Ricky Clemons debacle at Missouri. Clemons, who took correspondence courses through BYU, is having his work checked by the university after allegations by Clemons’ former girlfriend that tutors had completed his work. Clemons completed nine credit hours through BYU, and 15 additional credit hours at Barton County Community College (Great Bend, Kansas), all in a period of two months. The coursework allowed Clemons to be academically eligible for last season. Clemons was kicked off the Missouri squad in July after violating the conditions of his work-release program. He completed his 60-day jail sentence in August.
Viking Dismissed: Cleveland State senior guard Modibo Niakate was dismissed from the team yesterday for violating team rules. Niakate, the Vikings’ leading scorer last season, averaged 12 points per game last sesaon after transferring Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas. Niakate also led the Horizon league in 3-point shooting percentage. The school said that he’s still on scholarship, and will graduate next spring. Head coach Mike Garland did not discuss the specific rule Niakate violated.
Lobo Going Pro: Former New Mexico guard Ruben Douglas, who led the nation in scoring last season, has signed a deal to play professionally in Greece. Douglas, passed over in the NBA and CBA drafts, averaged 28 points and 6.6 rebounds per game as a senior last season. His goal is to earn a chance to make an NBA summer league roster spot for next offseason, and eventually make an NBA roster. The Panionios of the Greek League will pay $100,000 for the season.
Ridnour Out: Former Oregon and current Seattle SuperSonic Luke Ridnour, the 14th overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, will not be ready for the beginning of the season. Ridnour had surgery on August 6th for a pulled abdominal muscle, an injury he sustained in a workout for the Milwaukee Bucks, prior to the draft. The Sonics knew he was injured when they drafted him, but have been surprised at the recovery time, which will extend well into training camp.
