| MSU guard suspended for 2012-13 |
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Posted: Thursday, October 25, 2012 7:02 pm
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MURRAY, Ky. (AP) — Murray State has suspended sophomore guard Zay Jackson for the 2012-13 season.
Jackson had been suspended indefinitely last month after his arrest after striking two people with his car in a Wal-Mart parking lot following an altercation. He pleaded guilty on Oct. 12 to wanton endangerment and was to be sentenced Monday.
However, the case was delayed when the judge recused himself, and then a surveillance video was released showing Jackson driving around the parking lot with one of the victims on the hood of his Chevy Monte Carlo.
Athletics director Allen Ward referenced the video when announcing that the suspension had been extended, saying that besides meeting his legal obligations, Jackson would have to “go above and beyond the steps required to be an exemplary citizen” to be reinstated.
“It goes without saying that Zay showed a considerable lack of judgment that has not only embarrassed himself, but his team, the university and our fans as well,” Ward said.
“I will not condone such behavior. He is fortunate that the results of his actions were not more harmful than they were. But if we truly care about making a difference in his life, it is imperative that he spends this year showing me and Coach (Steve) Prohm that he is remorseful, getting the help that he needs, and deserving of a second chance.”
As a freshman reserve Jackson averaged 4.9 points, 2.3 assists and 2.1 rebounds. He was projected to start this season for the Racers, who open the season Nov. 9 against Brescia, an NAIA member.
Jackson is due back in court on Nov. 13.
Murray State has been picked first in the West division in the OVC preseason poll.
MSU received 132 points in voting and topped OVC newcomer Belmont for had 131 points as the Racers are the top overall pick for the fourth time in the last five preseasons.
This season marks the first season that the league is being split into divisions as Belmont joins the league and SIU-E becomes a full member.
MSU enters the 2012-13 season as the three-time defending champion and will be looking to win the OVC title for a fourth straight time since they won the last of seven straight titles in 2000.
The Racers lead the OVC with 23 all-time OVC championships.
Head coach Steve Prohm leads his team into his second season after coming off a 2011-12 season where the Racers were 31-2 and advanced to the third round of the NCAA Tournament.
Murray State was the final unbeaten team at 23-0 and ended the season as the only team undefeated in road games at 13-0. Published in The Messenger 10.25.12 |
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