COLLEGE BASKETBALL

• Arkansas basketball players to be suspended

  
  

  Fayetteville, AR (Sports Network) - Arkansas men's basketball coach John Pelphrey announced Thursday he will implement multiple-game suspensions for "certain members" of his team.

  Pelphrey did not name the players, citing federal privacy laws.

  The suspensions, part of a larger sanctioning plan, were announced a little more than a week after it was decided that no charges would be filed against three Arkansas basketball players accused of rape in an August 27 incident. The Morning News of Arkansas reported that prosecutors did not file charges after they determined the acts were consensual.

  "Although the student-athletes involved have been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing, we expect Razorback student-athletes to adhere to a higher standard and code of conduct," Pelphrey said in the release.

  In addition to the multiple-game suspensions -- ranging from two to three games -- Pelphrey announced sanctions will include: individual meetings with a professional regarding decision-making, individual meetings concerning the school's policies, and community service.

  Also, the school's release said any future violations of team rules or athletic department policy could result in dismissal from the team.

  "I am confident that Coach Pelphrey has taken appropriate disciplinary action and educational initiatives to address the issues that have arisen within our men's basketball program," Arkansas athletics director Jeff Long said in the release.

  "While it is our clear expectation that our student-athletes conduct themselves in a manner to avoid these types of issues, when they do occur, we will deal with them openly and honestly and with the best interests of the program and the long-term development of the student-athletes in mind."

  09/17 20:56:24 ET