In light of the encouraging performance by the Cincinnati Bearcats in their 59-50 win over the North Carolina Central Eagles tonight, word is coming out that center Jamaree Strickland has been suspended by the team.
Cronin: Jamaree Strickland is suspended for "conduct unbecoming of a Bearcat." @FOX19
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) November 26, 2014
Mick’s statement could mean any number of things.
Strickland could be suspended because he’s been repetitively late to team practices. He could have shown up drunk. He could have hurled a basketball at Darren Savino’s head. It’s anyone’s guess as to why Mick has opted to lay the hammer on his redshirt freshman center.
One thing we’ve learned in the last near-decade with Mick at the helm, he doesn’t have patience for those who stray from the course. It could be Octavius Ellis punching a nightclub bouncer or Jeremiah Davis III simply wanting to be closer to home. In either situation, it’s Mick’s way or the highway and he wants a roster of players who are willing to abide by his system on or off the court.
Strickland’s future as a Bearcat remains a mystery. It would be a shame if his suspension eventually evolved into a transfer considering the turmoil he went through last season during his redshirt year. Hopefully Mick and Strickland can get on the same page in the coming weeks so this will all blow over.