St. Johns and head coach Steve Lavin are sending a message — even if it is right before the NCAA tournament starts. If this report is true,
St. Johns forward Chris Obekpa wouldn’t be available unless his team made the Elite 8 after being suspended for marijuana use.
Head coach Steve Lavin announced on Sunday afternoon that the junior center will be suspended for two weeks, citing a violation of team rules.
“If St. John’s were to advance in the postseason, Obekpa would not be available for the Red Storm’s games prior to March 29,” according to St. John’s.
“All of the young men associated with our program are held to standards consistent with the aims and mission of our university,” Lavin said in a statement. “Accountability is tied to the decision making of our student-athletes. It is our hope Chris will learn from this experience.”
The 6-foot-10 Obekpa averaged 7.0 rebounds, 5.8 points and 3.2 blocks. St. John’s is 21-11 this season and lost in the Big East quarterfinals on Thursday to Providence.