The University of Arkansas at Little Rock men’s basketball team is paying for a lack of sportsmanship, including practicing in its main gym prior to a game.
Sun Belt Conference commissioner Keith Gill fined the Trojans $15,000 for practicing on the court two days before a Feb. 8 game against Arkansas State, which violated conference sportsmanship rules.
According to KATV, a letter from Gill to UA-Little Rock athletic director George Lee said that the Trojans knew that both teams were required to practice on practice courts. The Trojans practiced on the main court at the Jack Stephens Center, while Arkansas State didn’t receive the same opportunity. Gill also noted that – after Little Rock’s 90-87 win – head coach Darryl Walker told Arkansas State athletic director Terry Mohajir to “take that s*** back to Jonesboro.”
“We have a responsibility to ensure compliance with our regulations and fair and equitable treatment of our colleagues," Gill said in the letter. "These regulations are important in creating an atmosphere of equity, respect, and sportsmanship throughout our Conference and among our Conference Members."
According to KATV, Lee said in an email that the Trojans accept the penalty and will work to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Little Rock has a 19-9 record, including 13-4 in the Sun Belt.
