Rutgers suspended seniors Jaron Griffin and JR Inman “from game competition” for violating team policies. Griffin and Inman will continue to participate in team activities, including practices, yet it is unclear how many games they will miss.
“Accountability is extremely important in the development of a successful program,” Rutgers head coach Fred Hill said. “Jaron and JR are team leaders and valuable members of our basketball family. How they respond to what has been asked of them will determine the lengths of their suspensions. We expect them to grow from their mistakes and serve as positive role models for our underclassmen.”
Rutgers declined comment on why there were suspended.
“It’s an internal matter; we’re not going to comment any further,” Rutgers spokesman Kevin Lorincz said.
Inman led Rutgers at 12.2 points and 7.2 boards last year, and Griffin averaged 7.5 points and 3.2 rebounds. This means freshman big men Greg Echenique of St. Benedict’s and Christian Morris of South Kent, as well as freshman wing Patrick Jackson of Brooklyn Boys & Girls, will be immediately thrown into the fire and receive significant minutes, while junior center Hamady N’Diaye will become the main focal point in the paint until Inman and Griffin return.
