Thursday, February 17, 2000

A-10 looking into fight at Xavier game

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No suspensions expected for Muskies

BY MICHAEL PERRY
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Xavier's Kevin Frey tussles with Duquesne's Simon Ogunlesi after Ogunlesi elbowed Frey. (Craig Ruttle photo) | ZOOM |

        Atlantic 10 Commissioner Linda Bruno on Wednesday notified Xavier and Duquesne of disciplinary action she plans to take in the the wake of a fracas in XU's 95-68 victory Tuesday at the Cincinnati Gardens. It is not expected that any Xavier players will face suspensions.

        Duquesne's Simon Ogunlesi, a 6-foot-10 center from Nigeria, was ejected after a flagrant foul midway through the first half when he elbowed XU's Kevin Frey in the head, creating a gash that required seven stitches.

        Ogunlesi was automatically suspended for one game because of NCAA rules regarding fighting. It is presumed the league has added to the punishment and that Duquesne will appeal Friday to the A-10 executive committee, which consists of athletic directors Dave O'Brien (Temple), Ted Kissell (Dayton), Don DiJulia (St. Joseph's), Jim Weaver (Virginia Tech) and Marianne Reilly (Fordham).

        In a statement released Wednesday, Bruno said she won't make her decision public until the executive committee hears the appeal.

        “I informed both Duquesne University and Xavier University as to what action I wish to take regarding last night,” Bruno said. “As stated in our constitution and bylaws, an institution has the right to appeal that decision to our executive committee. That appeal will be heard Friday.”

        “We have never before gone beyond what the officials have done in their officiating of the games,” assistant commissioner Ray Cella said. “That does not mean that further action will not be taken this time.”

        Ogunlesi, who received a technical foul Jan. 15 after trying to kick Frey while both were on the ground, told a teammate he was retaliating for an elbow Frey had thrown at him.

        The Musketeers pulled away from a one-point lead at the time of the fight and defeated the Dukes 95-68.

        XU coach Skip Prosser and Duquesne coach Darelle Porter were on the road recruiting Wednesday and could not be reached. Duquesne Athletic Director Brian Colleary did not return a phone call, and XU associate athletic director Dawn Rogers would not comment on the matter.

        BOBINSKI ACCIDENT: Xavier Athletic Director Mike Bobinski was in a car accident on his way home from Tuesday night's game. His car was severely damaged, and Bobinski was taken to the emergency room where he was treated and released early Wednesday morning.

        “He's doing good,” Rogers said. “He was like a mile from his house and a woman broadsided him. His car's a mess. But he's OK. He's just really bumped and bruised.”

       

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