CHAPEL HILL — North Carolina junior guard Leslie McDonald will serve a three-game suspension, the school announced in a statement on Wednesday.
UNC didn’t specify the reason for McDonald’s suspension but both McDonald and Tar Heels coach Roy Williams said in a statement that McDonald failed to meet his responsibilities as a “student-athlete.”
McDonald had missed UNC’s past three games due to a knee injury.
“Leslie did not do what we expect of our student-athletes and therefore is not going to play in the next three games,” Williams said in the statement. “His knee has improved and he would have been medically able to return this week, but he won't dress for Georgia Tech, N.C. State and Boston College.
“I'm disappointed for him and our team because he worked so hard to get back from his knee injury and has been a valuable contributor for us this season. He's a good kid and we look forward to his return.”
In the same statement, McDonald apologies for the actions that led to his suspension.
“I'm sorry that I won't be able to play the next three games but I will be ready to help my team again beginning with the Virginia Tech game," McDonald said. “I did not take care of my responsibilities as a student-athlete and have to miss some games as a result. I will do what I can to help prepare my teammates in practice even though I can't play.”
McDonald, who is averaging 8.4 points per game, will return for the Tar Heels’ game against Virginia Tech on Feb. 2.
Comments
Strange Timing
Thu, 01/24/2013 - 08:43 — mcpack11McDonald has an injury and is not 100%.
Its only 1 week into the new semester.
And he's suspended for academic reasons????
Something doesn't seem right about this.
Think about it......
Thu, 01/24/2013 - 09:21 — scottb99A new semester just started, which means they just received their grades from last semester. It does sound like an academic issue, most likely meaning his grades from last semester weren't up to par. If that's the case, the suspension is certainly justified.
My daughter got her grades
Thu, 01/24/2013 - 09:23 — mcpack11My daughter got her grades back in December. If there were an issue with McDonald's grades from the Fall semester, it shouldn't take until late January to figure that out.
I Stand Corrected
Thu, 01/24/2013 - 17:24 — scottb99When I was in college, a decade or so ago, we didn't get our grades back that soon, shows what I know. Either way, something is amiss and it apparently is being handled. Heels haven't missed him yet, we'll see what happens Saturday, but I expect State to walk away with a "W".
w
Thu, 01/24/2013 - 17:29 — SurferIt is a home game for them, so that does give them a bit of an edge. I would also be surprised to see them continue with their poor play, as well. I expect them to be favored by 10 points, or so. (at least by some people)
true
Thu, 01/24/2013 - 14:25 — Surfer"Responsibilities as a student-athlete".... sounds like he may have missed a class, an assignment or study hall or something. Yes, these guys have responsibilites for school and if they don't meet them, then Coach Williams knows about it.
whaaat whaaat
Wed, 01/23/2013 - 22:40 — MrSenenenmBreak out the academic advisors! That guy needs to be enrolled in naval warfare or Af-am 400 again.
Legalize!
Wed, 01/23/2013 - 22:31 — lil576Can you say Bong Hit.
It's a first!
Wed, 01/23/2013 - 19:51 — MaddMattFirst academic casualty at UNC since the last ice age....