By Chris Monter
FOXSportsNorth.com
January 11, 2011
Minnesota director of athletics Joel Maturi and head men's basketball coach Tubby Smith announced Tuesday that there would be no change in the playing status of junior forward Trevor Mbakwe.
Trevor Mbakwe, a 6-foot-8 junior forward for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, was arrested for a violation of a harassment order Monday night and held in the Ramsey County Jail before being released at 11:30, according to a Ramsey County spokesperson.
"Trevor had a lapse in judgment," Smith said. "I believe his actions were well intended, but misguided, and we have made the decision not to suspend him after looking into the matter further. We believe this is the appropriate thing for Trevor and the program at this time. We view this as an educational opportunity for all of our players."
Mbakwe sent a Facebook message to a former girlfriend in violation no-harassment order that both parties agreed to in August of 2009. Mbakwe had not been in contact with the individual since that date.
The message Mbakwe sent via Facebook read:
"I know we haven't talked in forever and trust me I'm not trying to start any drama with nobody in your life or anything. I just wanted to wish u the best with everything and I hope all has been well with you and your family. I am still disappointed how everything played out and I do wish that in the future we could be cool again. Idk (I don't know) how u r going to take this msg hopefully its not bad but I just wanted to wish u a happy new year and send out a congrats for graduating. I've been well I'm finally playin bball again in everything down in miami finally got taken care of thank god. Well idk if u will respond or not but best wishes for 2011."
Smith said he will have no further comment on the issue today.
Mbakwe sat out last season after being accused of a felony battery charge in Florida in April of 2009. The trial was postponed several times and Mbakwe reached an agreement to complete 100 hours of community service, which he recently finished.
Mbakwe is averaging 13.4 points, tied for the team lead and 10.4 rebounds per game, which leads the Big Ten.
Mbakwe had 16 points and 12 rebounds in a 67-64 loss to No. 2 Ohio State Sunday. It was his tenth double-double of the season, which leads the Big Ten.
Minnesota is 12-4 overall and 1-3 in Big Ten play. They are ranked No. 25 in the ESPN/USA Today Top 25 poll. Minnesota faces No. 8 Purdue at home Thursday.
