Southern Miss men’s team banned from postseason

The Southern Miss men’s basketball team announced a self-imposed postseason ban resulting from an investigating into improper financial aid for two players.

Athletic Director Bill McGillis made the announcement Jan. 20. The NCAA continues to investigate benefits provided to players under head coach Donnie Tyndall. Tyndall has since moved on to coach at Tennessee.

“I am saddened and extremely disappointed for the members of our men’s basketball team, who will not be able to participate in the postseason this year, as well as for our new coaching staff and fans, McGillis said in a press release. This self-imposed penalty was a painful, but necessary, decision based on information gathered during the review process and available to the university at this time.”

ESPN’s Jeff Goodman later reported that USM players refused to practice after hearing the announcement. First-year head coach Doc Sadler said it was his decision to cancel practice to protect the team from injuries.

Southern Miss is 5-11 this season and remains winless in Conference USA. The Golden Eagles are barred from both the conference and NCAA tournaments.

Southern Miss men’s team banned from postseason

Sharing Block: Winning Hoops Sharing Block

By Kevin Hoffman, Managing Editor

The Southern Miss men’s basketball team announced a self-imposed postseason ban resulting from an investigating into improper financial aid for two players.

Athletic Director Bill McGillis made the announcement Jan. 20. The NCAA continues to investigate benefits provided to players under head coach Donnie Tyndall. Tyndall has since moved on to coach at Tennessee.

“I am saddened and extremely disappointed for the members of our men’s basketball team, who will not be able to participate in the postseason this year, as well as for our new coaching staff and fans, McGillis said in a press release. This self-imposed penalty was a painful, but necessary, decision based on information gathered during the review process and available to the university at this time.”

ESPN’s Jeff Goodman later reported that USM players refused to practice after hearing the announcement. First-year head coach Doc Sadler said it was his decision to cancel practice to protect the team from injuries.

Southern Miss is 5-11 this season and remains winless in Conference USA. The Golden Eagles are barred from both the conference and NCAA tournaments.