NM State suspends Robert Carpenter indefinitely after punch vs. Liberty
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KTSM) – New Mexico State men’s basketball forward Robert Carpenter was suspended indefinitely from all team activities on Friday, after punching Liberty’s Shiloh Robinson in the face during the first half of the Aggies’ 79-73 win over the Flames on Thursday night.
Carpenter and Robinson were jostling for position for a rebound during an NMSU possession, after which Carpenter threw a punch that connected with Robinson. Carpenter was immediately ejected from the game by the referees.
“Per the NCAA’s rules of conduct, any player involved in an altercation during competition is required to serve a one-game suspension, however, we feel it is important to emphasize that the Aggie men’s basketball program places the utmost priority on the values of sportsmanship and respect and feel that an indefinite suspension is necessary,” New Mexico State said in a statement released on Friday afternoon. “His actions do not align with the standards we uphold at New Mexico State, and we believe it is important to ensure that any actions contrary to our principles will not be tolerated.”
The statement continued, “We will continue to work closely with our coaching staff, players, and support personnel to reinforce the importance of responsible conduct both on and off the court. We remain committed to creating an environment where our student-athletes can thrive academically and personally.”
Sources told KTSM on Friday morning that Carpenter apologized to Robinson and Liberty head coach Ritchie McKay in person following Thursday night’s game and Flames personnel accepted his apology.
Carpenter also took to social media to apologize publicly on Friday.
“I want to apologize to Shiloh Robinson and to the Liberty basketball program,” Carpenter wrote. “I also want to apologize to my teammates, and to all of Aggie Nation for my actions on the court last night. That’s not me. That’s not who I am as a person. (I) let my emotions get the best of me and I let my team down. I’m sorry.”
New Mexico State head coach Jason Hooten opened his postgame press conference on Thursday night by apologizing to Liberty and McKay. He reiterated those sentiments on Friday in a statement released by the school.
Hooten also said that the length of Carpenter’s suspension would be revisited by NMSU soon.
“I want to reiterate my sincere apologies to Liberty University and Coach McKay for the actions of Robert last night. Throughout my 14-year career as a head coach, I have consistently upheld a high standard of conduct, and something like this has never taken place within my programs nor is this acceptable,” Hooten said.
“Robert is a good kid,” Hooten continued. “Unfortunately, he showed some poor judgement during the game and made a mistake. I believe he is a high-character guy as are all the guys that we bring into this program. Last night, Robert had the opportunity to meet with the Liberty student-athlete involved in the incident, offering a face-to-face apology. Robert has also since apologized to his teammates and the community for his actions. We will continue to support Robert academically and we will revisit the extent of the suspension in the near future.”
At the very least, Carpenter will miss NMSU’s home game on Saturday vs. Jacksonville State, which tips off at 7 p.m. MT at the Pan American Center. Carpenter is averaging 9.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game for the Aggies in his first season with the program.
Conference USA also issued a statement regarding the incident, at KTSM’s request.
“The incident in last night’s men’s basketball contest between New Mexico State and Liberty was unacceptable and clearly a violation of conference standards & expectations,” CUSA’s statement reads. “We have been in communication with both schools and approve of the disciplinary actions being taken by New Mexico State. We are committed to encouraging and upholding sportsmanship on and off the court and wish Mr. Robinson a speedy recovery.”
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