Jarmal Reid Suspended 4 Games

Oregon State Senior forward Jarmal Reid has been suspended for a minimum of the next 4 games by head coach Wayne Tinkle for the tripping incident with Pac-12 basketball referee Tommy Nunez in the late stages of yesterday's game in Salt Lake City against Utah.

Reid had just successfully stolen the ball from the Ute's Jacob Poeltl with about 3 minutes to go and the game tied at 52 apiece when he himself lost his footing and fell. Reid successfully passed the ball to Gary Payton II, but no call was made on the play.

Nunez was starting to run up court following the play as Reid was starting to get back to his feet, and video shows that Reid extended his foot and leg further and in a manner unnecessary to get up in an attempt to impede Nunez, who tripped over Reid's extended foot and fell himself.

Nunez assessed a technical foul to Reid, which was his 5th foul, and declared it a "flagrant 2" (most severe) foul.

Utah went on to win the game 59-53.

Today, after the team returned to Corvallis, Coach Tinkle suspended Reid for 4 games, which will include home games this Wednesday and Sunday against UCLA & USC, and then the Beavers' trip to the desert for games against Arizona State and Arizona. Reid's earliest return, ironically, would be the rematch against Utah, in Corvallis on Thursday, February 4.

Reid will continue to practice with the team, but will not be present at the games, and will not travel to Arizona with the team.

"Jarmal's conduct and attitude in the next 2 weeks will determine whether any further action is warranted beyond the 4 game suspension," Tinkle said today.

The Pac-12 has affirmed their support for Coach Tinkle's decision, and will not issue any additional punishment.

"First and foremost, I would like to apologize to Oregon State University, 'Beaver Nation,' the Pac-12 Conference, my family, my coaching staff and teammates, and the game officials," Reid said in a statement released by the university. "I'm well aware that my actions not only embarrassed my family, but also the university and the Oregon State basketball program."

"I was not raised to act in that manner that was displayed on that play," Reid added. "I'm well aware that I made a mistake that has damaged my image. My actions are inexcusable, and I am willing to accept any and all consequences that are to follow."

Tinkle also offered apology for the incident.

"We are obviously very disappointed and apologize to everyone involved," Tinkle said in the statement released. "Our university and our program do not condone this type of conduct on or off the court. We acted swiftly and severely, but also fairly, and with the understanding that we are dealing with a 22 year old young man that we need to help grow through this tough situation."

Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott also released a statement on the matter.

"We commend Oregon State University and its leadership for taking swift and decisive action in response to this incident," Scott said. "The Pac-12 strongly emphasizes sportsmanship and fair play in all its athletic competitions, and expects high standards of sportsmanship from all participants. Regardless of Mr. Reid's frustration and emotion, such behavior towards a game official is unacceptable, and the conference supports Oregon State's disciplinary actions. The conference will take no further disciplinary action."

Reid has averaged 4.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in an average of 15.7 minutes per game coming off the bench for Oregon State since returning to action after missing the first 6 games of the season recovering from a stress fracture in his foot.

Andy_Wooldridge@yahoo.com