Friday, November 8, 2002

Men's Basketball Suspends Taurance Johnson Indefinitely
Team Starts Play Saturday Night

IU sophomore forward Taurance Johnson has been suspended by the men's basketball team for the remainder of the fall semester. Head coach Donnie Marsh said the suspension was to give Johnson additional time to focus on his academic obligations.

"I want to stress that Taurance is academically eligible to participate at this time," said Marsh. "In order to better assist him, I thought it was important to help him refocus on what it takes to be a good college student."

A native of Williamsport, PA, Johnson led the team last season in scoring, blocked shots and rebounding as a freshman, followed by being named to the honorable mention All-Sun Belt Conference team.

Marsh feels once Johnson meets his obligations that he will rejoin the team at a later time.

The team begins play Saturday night in an exhibition match against the Argentine-Select team at 7:00 p.m. in Golden Panther Arena.

FIU opens the regular season on November 23 and 24, hosting the FIU/Hampton Inn Tip-Off Classic. For ticket information, contact the FIU ticket office at (305) FIU-GAME.