NMSU player tossed for punching enemy in face

New Mexico State forward Robert Carpenter was ejected from Thursday night’s game for punching Liberty forward Shiloh Robinson in the face, and Aggies coach Jason Hooten said he anticipates Carpenter will be suspended.Carpenter was issued a flagrant foul 2 and rapidly 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 fighting for position under the hoop, and as Robinson turned to head pull back the court, Carpenter struck Robinson in the face. Robinson was up to the ground, clutching his face, and was attended to by staff.Hooten, in his postgame press conference, stated he had not had an opportunity to review the

event or what may have resulted in it. He said sorry to Liberty coach Ritchie McKay for Carpenter’s actions, stating they were “not acceptable. “” That’s not the way that we’re going to do things here at New Mexico State University, “stated Hooten, who is

in his very first year managing a program seeking to turn the page from hazing accusations and a lethal shooting last season.Hooten expressed shock at Carpenter’s actions, calling him “an actually excellent kid. “However he added,”There’s simply no room, no room for that

in the game, at all.”Hooten said he anticipates that Conference USA will suspend Carpenter for at least the Aggies ‘next game, Saturday against Jacksonville State

, and possibly longer when authorities examine the video.”My guideline is he will not play on Saturday, “Hooten said.Carpenter, a junior, remains in his first season betting New Mexico State after a transfer from Mississippi Valley State. He also played formerly for St. Bonaventure.

He is balancing 10.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 0.2 helps in 19.2 minutes per game for the Aggies.