Two weeks ago at SEC Basketball Media Days in Birmingham, Ole Miss coach Andy Kennedy was peppered with questions concerning reigning SEC Tournament MVP Marshall Henderson, the Rebels' senior guard who ran into his fair share of offseason issues.
Kennedy said he was proud of his volume scorer (20.1 points per game last season) for how he did not run away from his problems, paying his dues in practice and preparing for the season like the rest of his lesser-publicized teammates. He even went as far as to compare Henderson to Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel. When asked about the specific in-season punishment Henderson was facing, Kennedy simply stated: "He's gotta earn the right to get back on the floor."
Well, that punishment has been made public.
Henderson will be suspended for one exhibition game and three regular season games for his offseason issues, per an announcement from the school.
The regular season games will be non-consecutive, though, as he'll miss the team's season opener and the first two SEC games.
"I want to thank coach (Andy) Kennedy, (athletic director) Ross Bjork and the university for giving me an opportunity to rejoin the team," Henderson said in a statement. "This has been a difficult time for me, and I appreciate this chance. My teammates and I are looking forward to defending our SEC Championship."
Ole Miss is scheduled to play Troy (opener), Auburn and Mississippi State in the three games Henderson will miss.
