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Murray State guard Zay Jackson suspended after assault charge

Zay Jackson

Murray State has suspended guard Zay Jackson after the sophomore was charged with two counts of first-degree assault, the school announced Monday.

''I was disappointed and surprised to learn of the incident on Sunday involving Zay,’' Murray State coach Steve Prohm said in a statement. ''I will continue to work with the authorities to gather and evaluate the facts as quickly as I can to get a clearer picture of what actually happened. Until that time, Zay has been suspended from all team activities.”

According to a police report, Jackson got into an altercation in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart and hit two people with his car, causing minor injuries.

''There is a standard of conduct I expect from all my players, and from what I know at this point, that standard was compromised,” Prohm added. “I will support Zay in his efforts to make this right, but I anticipate this matter will take time to fully resolve.’'

Jackson averaged 4.9 points and 2.3 assists per game as a back-up last season. He is a native of Louisiana who was part of a Murray State team that finished 31-2, including 15-1 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

“The department takes matters such as this very seriously,’' athletic director Allen Ward said in the release. ''I fully support the manner in which Coach Prohm has handled the incident and the action he has taken on Zay’s involvement with the team.’'

Daniel Martin is a writer and editor at JohnnyJungle.com, covering St. John’s. You can find him on Twitter:@DanielJMartin_