As much as some of us tend to love the social networking website Twitter, when it comes to young athletes there are ample opportunities to paint themselves into a corner they would be better served to avoid. That turned out to be the case for Memphis sophomore forward Kuran Iverson, one day after it was announced that he was suspended by head coach Josh Pastner for at least two games for a violation of team rules.
With one fan asking Iverson directly what he did to get suspended, the sophomore responded with “smiling too hard coach couldn’t take it.”
@kevinbroZBT @supplychain1st @TheCAJasonSmith smiling too hard coach couldn't take it 😊
— King of Hartford™ (@23iversonkji) January 7, 2015
Of course there was also Iverson’s retweeting of fan criticism of Pastner, with the player deleting the favorite/retweet after that came to light (note: people are able to see these things). If Iverson was hoping to return to the court when Memphis returns from its two-game swing to Texas where they’ll play SMU and Houston, this surely doesn’t help his chances.
There’s no denying the fact that some Memphis fans are frustrated with the lack of national success under Pastner, with the team making four NCAA tournament appearances but failing to get out of the first weekend on each occasion. And they’re also struggling this season, having dropped a home game to Tulane on Saturday. But even with that being the case, chiming in (even if it’s just a retweet or favoriting of a tweet) isn’t the best idea if you’re Iverson.
The question now is how much this impacts Iverson’s future with the program. And according to Gary Parrish of CBSSports.com (and former Memphis beat writer for the Commercial-Appeal) the Hartford, Connecticut native has likely played his last game in a Tiger uniform.
Lots of folks asking about Kuran Iverson. Here’s what I can say: My understanding is he’ll never play another minute for Memphis again. ...
— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) January 7, 2015
Remember, Josh Pastner once booted a McDonald’s All-American before he ever played a game. So he won’t tolerate Iverson’s antics. …
— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) January 7, 2015
… So don’t expect anything to be announced today or even this week. But, rest assured, Kuran Iverson is done at Memphis.
— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) January 7, 2015