Murray State point guard Zaveral ''Zay'' Jackson was suspended by the team on Monday after being accused of hitting two people with his car in a Walmart parking lot in southwestern Kentucky.
Police say the 20-year-old sophomore was charged with two counts of first-degree assault and spent Sunday night at the Calloway County jail. Police arrested Jackson following an altercation in which he allegedly hit two people with his white Monte Carlo, causing minor injuries.
''I was disappointed and surprised to learn of the incident on Sunday involving Zay,'' Murray State coach Steve Prohm said in a statement announcing the suspension. ''I will continue to work with the authorities to gather and evaluate the facts as quickly as I can to get a clearer picture of what actually happened. Until that time, Zay has been suspended from all team activities.
''There is a standard of conduct I expect from all my players, and from what I know at this point, that standard was compromised. I will support Zay in his efforts to make this right, but I anticipate this matter will take time to fully resolve.''
Jackson was a reserve who averaged 4.9 points, 2.3 assists and 2.1 rebounds as a freshman. He was expected to start this year for the Racers.
''The department takes matters such as this very seriously,'' Director of Athletics Allen Ward said. ''I fully support the manner in which Coach Prohm has handled the incident and the action he has taken on Zay's involvement with the team.''
