Statement from UC men’s basketball: University of Cincinnati men’s basketball head coach Mick Cronin announced Friday action he is taking following a reported incident in a downtown Cincinnati nightclub during the past weekend. Men’s basketball student-athlete Octavius Ellis has been dismissed from the team. He will have access to academic support services through the end of the academic quarter. However, he is immediately separated from all team activities. “Octavius didn’t adhere to the standard of conduct I expect from members of our team,” said Cronin. “I will work to help him find a fresh start at a new program because I do care very much for him as a person. I believe he can benefit from being in a new environment. That’s likely what will help him the best to learn and mature from this.” The University has learned that no formal charges will be filed. “I regret the mistakes I made this year and I know I need to mature as a person,” Ellis said. “I want to thank my coaches and teammates for the opportunity I had at UC.” UC director of athletics Whit Babcock supported Cronin’s decision and said, “I believe Coach Cronin has our program headed in the right direction. I appreciate his leadership of our young men athletically, academically, and socially.” A freshman forward from Memphis, Tenn., Ellis played in three games during the 2011-12 season, averaging 2.3 points and 1.7 rebounds in 8.3 minutes.
