No coach wants the character of his team questioned. Yet that's what Kansas coach Bill Self is facing in light of Monday's announcement that starting point guard Tyshawn Taylor is suspended indefinitely for violating team rules.
"Violating team rules" is a vague phrase coaches often use when a player is suspended. It can mean a player was repeatedly late for practice, missed study table or, on a more condemning note, has issues with the law.
It's not known what Taylor did, but Kansas has had a handful of players in trouble the last two seasons, leading ESPN's Doug Gottlieb to say this on the air:
"I think they have some character issues on this team. … That's probably the only thing that can derail them. Immensely talented team but those character issues … this can be devastating news especially considering the amount of time and effort they put into Tyshawn Taylor."
Self was not available for comment. Team spokesman Chris Theisen said the coach does not do interviews on game day. The second-ranked Jayhawks (25-2, 10-2 in Big 12) play host to Oklahoma State (16-10, 4-8) on Monday.
TOP 25 COACHES POLL: Kansas lands at No. 2
In a statement, Self said Taylor still will practice with the team. He averages 8.8 points and 4.7 assists.
Last season Taylor was involved in a fight between some basketball and football players and sustained a dislocated thumb. He posted comments about it on Facebook along with rap lyrics that made him seem boastful about it.
Also last season, guard Brady Morningstar was suspended from games the first semester after an arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
Earlier this season, senior Mario Little was suspended for six games after an arrest in a domestic disturbance case. He entered a diversion agreement on two misdemeanor battery charges.
On the court, twins Marcus and Markieff Morris are developing reputations for rough play. Gottlieb pointed to flagrant fouls by the brothers as a sign of character issues. Marcus was ejected for a flagrant foul in a December win against California. Markieff was called for an intentional foul against Kansas State.
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