CHAMPAIGN, ILL - The University of Illinois Division of
Intercollegiate Athletics announced today that senior men's
basketball player Rich McBride will be suspended from action during
the preseason portion of the schedule and the first four
regular-season games following the completion of the campus
disciplinary action.
"We are disappointed in Rich's decision making, but most importantly,
it's important that we help Rich," head coach Bruce Weber said. "This
has been a difficult but very valuable life lesson for Rich, as well
as his teammates, to learn, and hopefully it will be a lesson for
many others as well. We've made a decision to have Rich sit out the
Orange & Blue Scrimmage, the two exhibition games and the first four
regular season games. He will continue to practice with the team, and
he will also be involved in counseling and community service. Rich is
on track to graduate following the completion of an internship next
summer, which is very important to him and his family."