Sports

George Mason Athlete Suspended for 'Stepping On' Opposing Player

The suspension is 'indefinite.'

George Mason University basketball player Anali Okoloji has been suspended indefinitely for "stepping on" a player from the University of South Florida during a game against them Wednesday.

The official reason for the suspension was "conduct unbecoming of a George Mason student-athlete," GMU's website indicates.

GMU head basketball coach Paul Hewitt said in a statement, “Anali’s actions in Wednesday’s game were inexcusable and not what we expect from a George Mason student-athlete."

According to a student sports writer recapping the game on the GMU Hoops website, GMU had been enjoying a 17-point lead against South Florida, but when a foul was called against Okoloji, the player retaliated by "half stepping on, half kicking" Stan Heath from USF, who was lying on the ground.

Video of the incident is posted above.

The student sports writer wrote, "I was sitting right behind Stan Heath and it definitely looked like he stepped on him, and the video is pretty clear."

"A bone-headed play by a guy who is fighting for minutes. It was a huge turning point and gave USF the help they needed to get back into the game," the student wrote.

GMU lost the game, 68-66.

According to a statement from GMU officials on the school's website, Okoloji has appeared in eight games this season for the Patriots. He scored a season-high seven points at Iona College and at Princeton.

"Okoloji’s suspension will include the BB&T Classic on Sunday, Dec. 8 against Oklahoma," the statement indicates.

What do you think of Okoloji's actions and suspension? Tell us in the comments. 

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