White remains with Gophers, suspended

Although he missed Friday night’s season opener and Saturday morning’s practice, Royce White's status with the Gophers hasn't changed.

By MYRON P. MEDCALF, Star Tribune

Last update: November 14, 2009 - 8:45 PM

Although he missed Friday night's Gophers men's basketball season opener and Saturday morning's practice, freshman forward Royce White is still suspended indefinitely, coach Tubby Smith said Saturday.

White was suspended after he was arrested for shoplifting and fifth-degree assault Oct. 13 at the Mall of America.

University police are currently investigating whether White was involved in an on-campus burglary Nov. 7.

Contradicting an earlier media report that White had been expelled from school, Smith said he's still gathering more information about the latest allegations about White, a 6-8, 240-pound, five-star recruit who last year led Hopkins to the Class 4A basketball title and won the state's Mr. Basketball award.

“As far as Royce is concerned, you know nothing’s changed there, Royce White’s status,” Smith said. “He wasn’t at the game [Friday] night but I thought it would be best because of some of the distractions or just finding out what has happened in this last episode. As soon as that investigation is completed, we’ll probably have some type of statement about his status with our program.”

Smith said Devron Bostick, suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules, missed practice Saturday because of flu-like symptoms. He said sophomore guard Devoe Joseph had stomach-flu symptoms Saturday and was limited in practice.