The Nova Blog is reporting that Villanova freshman JayVaughn Pinkston has been suspended for the year by the university. On Nov. 11, Pinkston was charged with assault stemming from from an incident at an offcampus party. The school released this statement:
It was announced today that as a result of disciplinary proceedings Villanova University student and men’s basketball player JayVaughn Pinkston has been suspended from the University for the spring semester. During this time, Pinkston will not be permitted to attend classes or play basketball for the University. In June 2011, Pinkston will regain his status as a “student in good standing” and will be eligible to resume competition as a member of Villanova’s men’s basketball team, which he intends to do. All other aspects of Villanova University’s disciplinary process as it relates to Pinkston are confidential.
Coach Jay Wright says that he supports the University’s decision, “I am in support of the University’s decision. JayVaughn understands that there are consequences to his actions, and I believe he will continue to handle this in a mature manner. We look forward to his return in June.”
JayVaughn Pinkston says he’s sorry. “I am sorry. This situation is my responsibility and I have learned from it. I am going to work extremely hard so that I can return to the Villanova family in June.”
I have to agree with The Nova Blog’s sentiment on this. If you want to suspend the kid from playing basketball, by all means do that. However, what is gained by not letting him attend class? I’m not entirely familiar with the Villanova honor code, but is it common for the school to bar a student from taking classes because they’ve been charged with a crime? I would think that this is a good time for Pinkston to atone for what he did and focus on his studies.