Illinois suspends Darius Paul for entire 2014-15 season
Due to "multiple transgressions," the most recent and public of which was an arrest for underage drinking and police obstruction on April 21, Illinois forward Darius Paul has been suspended by head coach John Groce for the entirety of the 2014-15 season.
While the minor misdemeanors reported in the news don't seem on their own to be grounds for a season-long suspension, there appears to have been more going on beneath the surface.
Not going to get into it, but I will say this: There is legitimate reason behind Groce's decision regarding Darius Paul. #illini
— Dave Wischnowsky (@wischlist) May 13, 2014
Here's what Groce said in a statement released by the school:
After a thorough review of Darius' year, which includes multiple transgressions, I am suspending Darius from all team-related activities for the entire 2014-15 season. 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 sat out all of last season after transferring from Western Michigan. In his lone season with the Broncos as a freshman, Paul put up a stout 10.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, and finished fourth in the Mid-American Conference in offensive rebound rate.