[ATrain]

http://www.libertyflames.com/mbball/new ... ws_id=3292

[PAmedic]

Hubbard Suspended For Violating Team Academic Policies

April 21, 2006 · Lynchburg, Va.

Liberty University head men’s basketball coach Randy Dunton has announced that he has suspended junior forward Damien Hubbard indefinitely for violating the team’s academic policies.

“Damien Hubbard has been suspended indefinitely from the Liberty men’s basketball team for his lack of regard toward the academic policies within program,” stated Dunton. “At this point in time, I truly hope that Damien will take the corrective steps to demonstrate commitment and appreciation for his opportunity at Liberty University.”

In his first year with the program after transferring from Frederick Community College, Hubbard ranked third on the team this season as he averaged 8.7 points per game, while leading the team by averaging 5.6 rebounds per game.

anyone have the inside info on this- how quickly can the young man get this ship righted?

[Hold My Own]

it should not be a problem at all to get him back on track....it's more or less a scare tactic in order to get his attention and to let him know that right now is not the time you want to get into academic troubles b/c like coach said we've turned down a few players that can play some ball, and if he doesnt want to work in class then out ya go

[TDDance234]

He's not the only one in trouble..

[Hold My Own]

we know we know....that's what the summers for!

[Guest]

Who else is in trouble?

[SuperJon]

I've heard a rumor about another play but I won't post it on here because I don't know how credible it is.

[Hold My Own]

the names have been mentioned on here before, different threads though

[LU'sbestmanger]

can't touch on this one

[Sly Fox]

I'm sure this shot across the bow will quickly determine how serious Damien is about getting his act together academically. He wasn't here for the Elijah Miller debacle, but it shows how important it is to keep the grades in order.

[LU'sbestmanger]

huhhhmmm.... was a eli about grades though?????

[TDDance234]

was a eli about grades though?

From what I understand about the Elijah sitiuation is that be broke several 'team rules' which can be lumped in the same boat with Hubbard. It was said that Elijah had a chance to play and be a solid player for the Flames (but then again, it might have been a blessing -- without Elijah being gone from the team, Leo may have never blossomed like he did. Without Leo, we didn't win squat that year. He played outstanding ball during our run) but Coach D has proven before he's not afraid to let players go that don't buy into the 'system' or 'rules', Hubbard is no exception.

Damien is a very good player and one we need to be on the floor next season. Let's hope he pulls up his grades.

[Sly Fox]

Actually, Elijah was to be Leo's replacement this past season. But last summer he was given the boot.

Whatever the issues may be with Damien, let's hope he gets them worked out sooner rather than later.

[Chris Lang]

Once again .... the web site doesn't update.

I had a story on all the roster changes/signings and some schedule nuggets in today's fishwrap ... it didn't get posted, though.

Hubbard's situation will be re-evaluated in a couple of weeks. It's a kick in the butt move more than anything, as others have pointed out.

[LU'sbestmanger]

CORRECT

[krh44]

I just heard them talking about Hubbard on TV 13 but I missed what they said about his suspension. ANyone catch that?

[LU'sbestmanger]

i dont know anything about channel 13 but hubburd is back and still looks good. he came back for the last open gym when winters was down, and looked like he didnt lose a step. him at the 4 fits well. he's more free and he doesnt have that pressure of filling Dees' shoes or playing the 1. he looks calm and i think this was a good move by coach

[Hold My Own]

I havent heard anything...I'll find out tomorrow

[TIMSCAR20]

Hubbard is back. I got a press release on it earlier on Thursday and I talked to Alexis Sherrard Thursday night as well.

[Chris Lang]

You've got to love RD using the media to his advantage in this one ... it's smart. He wanted to send a message to Damien so he called him out publicly on his grades. It seems to have worked. Now that Damien has gone through a public humiliation of sort due to his grades, you think any other players will let their academics slip to the point that Dunton has to send out press releases? Probably not.

Kinda savvy, if you ask me ...

[Hold My Own]

That's what I've thought all along, that it was a PR stunt.....but when I asked RD he just had a grin and said well, if that's what DH thinks then he wont be on this team next year....I guess he would have gone through with it but I think he knew he wouldnt have to though...so I guess it all worked out

[jcmanson]

That's some good news! We definitely need Hubbard next year. With all the newcomers, the more familiar faces we have, the better.

I've mentioned this before, but I don't think anyone responded to it: If Hubbard is to play the 4, where is Rell?

[TIMSCAR20]

Rell is the team captain and will definitely be in the mix JC. Someone is gonna have to wrestle his spot away from him if they want to start. He is a major player when put in the right situation and being allowed to guard guys his own size....Hubbard will play the 3 and the 4 but he won't have to play 38 min a game like lthis past season. Hubbard, Blair and Smith played 34 plus min/game each this season if memory serves me correctly. That won't be necessary if they have the depth that I think they will have next season. Welcome back Damien!

[jcmanson]

I was thinking the same thing SCAR. It just seems that LUBM and others keep talking as if Hubbard will be the starting 4, and play the majority of the minutes at the 4. With the new big men additions, I don't see Hubbard getting alot of minutes at the 4 unless some of the new bigs we are getting are busts. Which I hope doesn't happen.

[Sly Fox]

We are deep in the backcourt and Damien is good enough that we need him on the floor in some capacity. Since Rell's scoring numbers don't blow anybody away, I believe that's why you are hearing about Hubbard at the four. But Rell contributes in so many ways that I believe the Texan has to be on the floor at the four as much as possible unless these newbies come in and dominate the boards. Then again, you know I'm always going to go to bat for the Texans on the squad.