Saturday, October 19, 2013

Savon Goodman leaving UNLV basketball program

After a tumultuous off-season which included a season long suspension, UNLV forward Savon Goodman has decided to leave the UNLV basketball program.

Goodman was suspended for his involvement in a May burglary in which he stole Nike sneakers, $500 cash and almost $900 worth of video games from a friend's apartment.

UNLV coach Dave Rice said that Goodman would remain a part of the program while he was suspended. I suppose that was pending the outcome of a November preliminary hearing. Misdemeanor conspiracy and felony burglary and grand larceny charges that could get him up to 15 years in a Nevada prison.

“I have enjoyed my time at UNLV and am thankful for the support of the fans, my teammates and coaches since I have been here,” Goodman said in a statement issued by the university. “However, I have felt a lot of pressure the last few months. I feel it is best for me to leave the program at this time. Even though I am from Philadelphia, I will always think of Las Vegas as another home.”

Goodman was a sophomore and averaged 3.6 points and 2.4 rebounds as a freshman. With the deaprtures of NBA top overall draft pick Anthony Bennett and Mike Moser to Oregon, Goodman would've assumed a bigger role this season.

“I respect Savon's decision and will always be here to support him,” coach Rice said in a statement. “I wish him all the best.”

It will be interesting to see if he ends up anywhere else on he college scene if he happens to beat the rap in this case.

NFL VP trying to get Ndamukong Suh's attention

The man who hands out fines for the NFL admits he's trying to get Ndamukong Suh's attention.

Suh was fined for a second time this season on Wednesday, $31,500 for striking Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden with his helmet.

NFL vice president of operations Merton Hanks said Friday in a spot on “Total Access” on NFL Network that he wanted to get Suh’s attention with the fine but didn’t think the hit was worthy of larger punishment.

“The fine amount is more than the minimum because he is a repeat offender and I wanted to get Ndamukong Suh’s attention in this regard,” Hanks said. “I’ve got to help him course correct.”

Hanks was asked why Suh didn't get a suspension for the hit. Hanks said it wasn't an "egregious play".

“In the big scheme of things, it’s not an egregious play,” Hanks said. “It is a violation, that’s why he was fined.”  

The way I see it, Suh will always be watched closely. Anytime he lays a hard hit on an opponent he's going to be scrutinized. Suh says he isn't going to change his game, but that comment will do nothing but warrant a close look by the NFL.

On the other hand you would think Hanks would cut Suh a little bit of slack since he was known as a big hitter when he played.