NMSU player suspended for punching foe in face
( img src=”https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2023%2F0419%2Fr1161163_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg” alt=” “) New Mexico State forward Robert Carpenter was suspended indefinitely by the Aggies on Friday, less than a day after he punched Liberty forward Shiloh Robinson in the face and was ejected from Thursday night’s game.
New Mexico State Sports said the choice to suspend Carpenter from all group activities starts immediately.
“His actions do not align with the requirements we uphold at New Mexico State, and we believe it is very important to guarantee that any actions contrary to our concepts will not be endured,” the school’s declaration read.
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( img src =”https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2023/0419/r1161163_1296x1296_1-1.jpg&w=130&h=130&scale=crop&location=center”width =”65″ height=”65″/) NCAA rules need a one-game suspension from all team-related activities for such altercations, however the program said it would enact the extra discipline to “stress that the Aggie guys’s basketball program places the utmost concern on the worths of sportsmanship and regard and feel that an indefinite suspension is required.”
Carpenter was issued an ostentatious nasty 2 and quickly tossed for the punch in the first half of New Mexico State’s 79-73 overtime win at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Carpenter and Robinson had tangled while battling for position under the hoop, and as Robinson turned to head pull back the court, Carpenter struck him in the face. Robinson was up to the ground, clutching his face, and was taken care of by staff.
Aggies coach Jason Hooten, in a statement Friday, said sorry to Liberty coach Ritchie McKay and the whole program for Carpenter’s actions, stating they showed “some bad judgment.”
“Throughout my 14-year career as a head coach, I have actually consistently supported a high standard of conduct, and something like this has actually never occurred within my programs nor is this acceptable,” stated Hooten, who remains in his first year overseeing a program aiming to turn the page from hazing accusations and a lethal shooting last season.
After the game concluded, Hooten revealed his shock at Carpenter’s actions, calling him “a truly great kid.” However he included, “There’s just no room, no space for that in the game, at all.”
Hooten stated in Friday’s statement that Carpenter has actually “apologized to his teammates and the neighborhood for his actions.”
Carpenter, a junior, remains in his first season playing for New Mexico State after a transfer from Mississippi Valley State. He also played previously for St. Bonaventure. He is averaging 10.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 0.2 assists in 19.2 minutes per game for the Aggies.