News release from Missouri State University
Missouri State University Bears basketball coach Barry Hinson has suspended three players until further notice. The three players are involved in a Springfield Police Department investigation related to stolen property.
The three players charged are: Lamont Austin, freshmen from Topeka, Kan.; Chris Cooks, junior from Idabel, Okla.; and David Cline, freshman from Springdale, Ark., all of whom are new to Missouri State this year.
"I am suspending these three players until further notice for their failure to meet our team standards for behavior," said Hinson. "We not only expect our players to stay out of trouble, we expect them to be good role models for young people. Unfortunately, these three failed to achieve that standard by putting themselves in this kind of position.
"We will continue to evaluate their status on this team as we learn more. We hope that additional information will come to light quickly so this issue can be resolved one way or the other."
As a result of the suspension, the three will miss at least the Friday and Saturday games at home in the Price Cutter Classic Tournament.
Hinson again emphasized that the university would cooperate fully with the police investigation
