Hoosiers’ leading scorer suspended
The Indiana Hoosiers are a bad, bad team this year. They enter this week last in the Big Ten and with just one win in their past 13 games. Despite being 6-16 overall, IU actually hasn’t been terrible against the spread, going 8-8 ATS on WagerWeb.com.
But expect that ATS success to end for the time being as the Hoosiers will be without leading scorer Devan Dumes indefinitely after he was suspended for his action’s in Saturday’s big loss to Michigan State.
Dumes was an elbowing machine in that game with the Spartans. He was ejected late in the 75-47 loss after receiving a flagrant technical foul for throwing an elbow that made contact with Spartans center Tom Herzog. That elbow was one of at least three elbows the IU player threw in the game that made contact with Spartans players.
Coach Tom Crean announced the suspension on Sunday.
“After coming home and having the opportunity to review the game film, I believe that discipline is necessary and deserved in this matter,” said Crean. “A line was crossed that was unacceptable. However, Devan is one of ours and like with all of our players we want them to learn and understand what it takes to be successful.”
Dumes offered an apology in IU’s statement.
“I truly regret my actions and I will learn from this situation,” Dumes said. “I apologize to everyone involved for doing something that is uncharacteristic of how I play the game. I am looking forward to putting this behind me and being a better leader to my teammates.”
Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany released a statement condemning Dumes’ actions and supporting Crean’s decision.
The junior guard averages 13.8 points per game, one of just two players in double-digits for the Hoosiers. He definitely will not play Tuesday at Minnesota. The next IU game after that is Sunday at home against Illinois. Dumes will continue to practice and travel with the team. The Hoosiers hung with the Gophers in late January, losing by four in Bloomington. IU was routed by Illinois earlier this year.
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