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Suspension of sophomore guard leaves Siena with eight available scholarship players

Jimmy Patsos

Siena head coach Jimmy Patsos reacts to a play during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Memphis in Kissimmee, Fla., Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

AP

Having already been hit hard by the injury bug in recent weeks, the Siena Saints announced Friday that sophomore guard Patrick Cole has been suspended indefinitely. Cole, who began his college career at Coppin State, is averaging 8.4 points and 2.7 rebounds in 17.4 minutes per game.

“This was done with Patrick and our team’s best interests at heart,” Siena head coach Jimmy Patsos said in the release. “It wasn’t one incident; he just needs to take some time away from basketball and refocus his priorities. It’s not an easy decision to make, but we’re trying to rebuild a proud program the right way.

“There are standards and expectations everyone is expected to meet.”

While no timeframe was provided in regards to when Cole will be allowed to rejoin the team, Siena did state in the release that he “is welcome to come back to Siena” when the spring semester begins January 12. As a result of Cole’s suspension the Saints are down to eight available scholarship players for their game at Radford Friday night.

Forwards Lavon Long and Brett Bisping are both out for health reasons, with Long dealing with a high ankle sprain and Bisping a dislocated toe that required surgery.

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