Four days after intentionally elbowing BYU center Bret Jepsen, Arizona forward Eugene Edgerson was suspended for one game by Wildcats coach Lute Olson. The junior will not play in Saturday's game against Wyoming at America West Arena in Phoenix.
"We're pleased that they took the action they did," said BYU athletic director Rondo Fehlberg, who was told by Arizona officials that Edgerson is both embarrassed and remorseful for hurting Jepsen.The incident occurred near midcourt during the second half of Arizona's 78-74 overtime victory over BYU in the Marriott Center. No foul was called, but Olson benched Edgerson for the remainder of the game. On Sunday, the player released a written apology to Jepsen through the school's sports information department.
"After I looked at the tape of the game, I determined Gene had committed a flagrant foul, although it wasn't called when it happened," Olson said.
"The penalty for a flagrant foul of that type is removal from the game -- which I did -- and a suspension for the following game. I know Gene is truly sorry for what happened and he has assured me something like this will never happen again."
BYU coach Steve Cleveland believes Arizona delayed action until all the facts were known. He was hopeful appropriate action would then be taken.
"It's their call. It's their institution and their basketball program," Cleveland said after the Cougars' 89-71 victory over Denver Tuesday. "But I'd be very surprised if a suspension wasn't in order."
Jepsen, meanwhile, is recovering from the blow that knocked him unconscious for 20 seconds. He attended one of his classes Tuesday and was on the bench supporting his teammates in the Marriott Center later that evening. He'll accompany the Cougars to Oregon Saturday but isn't expected to play because of lingering headaches and nausea.
Team doctors are hopeful the 6-foot-11, 250-pound center will return to the line-up Tuesday at Washington State.