New Mexico State forward Robert Carpenter was suspended indefinitely by the Aggies on Friday, a day after he punched Liberty forward Shiloh Robinson in the face and was ejected from Thursday night's game.
New Mexico State said the decision to suspend Carpenter from all team activities begins immediately.
“Their actions do not align with the standards we uphold in the state of New Mexico and we believe it is important to ensure that any actions contrary to our principles will not be tolerated,” the school said in a statement.
NCAA rules require a one-game suspension from all team-related activities for such altercations, but the program said it would enact the additional discipline to “emphasize that the Aggie men's basketball program places the highest priority on the values of sportsmanship and respect and feeling”. that an indefinite suspension is necessary.”
Carpenter was charged with a flagrant 2 foul and was quickly released to score in the first half of New Mexico State's 79-73 overtime victory at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Carpenter and Robinson had tangled while fighting for position under the basket, and as Robinson turned to return to the court, Carpenter punched him in the face. Robinson fell to the ground, clutching his face, and was treated by staff.
Aggies coach Jason Hooten, in a statement Friday, apologized to Liberty coach Ritchie McKay and the entire program for Carpenter's actions, saying they reflected “a bit of bad judgment.”
“Throughout my 14-year career as a head coach, I have consistently maintained a high standard of conduct, and something like this has never occurred within my programs nor is it acceptable,” said Hooten, who is in his first year overseeing a program looking to turn the page on hazing allegations and a deadly shooting last season.
After the game, Hooten expressed surprise at Carpenter's actions, calling him “a really good kid.” But he added: “There's just no place for that in the game, at all.”
Hooten said in Friday's statement that Carpenter has “apologized to his teammates and the community for his actions.”
Carpenter, a junior, is in his first season playing for New Mexico State after transferring from Mississippi Valley State. He also previously played for St. Bonaventure. He averages 9.7 points and 3.9 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game for the Aggies.
