DALLAS — Lawrence Roberts, Baylor's leading scorer and rebounder last season, said Monday he's transferring to Mississippi State.
Roberts, a junior forward, became the first returning player to leave following the school's self-imposed probation over major NCAA violations uncovered during the investigation of the disappearance and death of player Patrick Dennehy.
Roberts told Associated Press that he signed a letter of intent with the Bulldogs and faxed it to the school. He visited the Starkville, Miss., campus over the weekend and said he hoped to register for classes this week.
"It's tough to go through this . . . to have trust in the coaching staff and build a foundation and then leave because of an incident that you have no part to do with," Roberts said by cell phone from Houston, where he lives. "I've kind of just moved ahead."
Mississippi State issued a news release late Monday confirming the signing of Roberts.
Baylor launched an internal inquiry in July into possible NCAA violations, after allegations surfaced of improper payments to players following Dennehy's disappearance.
Coach Dave Bliss and athletic director Tom Stanton resigned Aug. 8, the day the school placed itself on two-year probation. As part of its self-imposed punishment, the school won't participate in any postseason tournaments next season, including the Big 12 tournament, and offered to release all players from their scholarships, allowing them to transfer to other schools.
The school's investigation is continuing, and all findings are being forwarded to the NCAA.
The school's investigation is continuing, and all findings are being forwarded to the NCAA.
Roberts said he hadn't spoken to Bliss and is ready to move on. He averaged 15.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per game last season.