March 12, 2000

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky sophomore Desmond Allison has been suspended from the men’s basketball team, Coach Tubby Smith announced Sunday.

Allison, a 6-5 starting guard, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence early Sunday morning in Lexington. The Tampa, Fla., native will be suspended temporarily, according to the Athletics Association’s Student-Athlete Alcohol Policy. If Allison is convicted of DUI, he will be suspended indefinitely and will forfeit his scholarship.

“We have educated our team on the use of alcohol time and again, yet, we have a young man who chose to put his life, and the lives of others, in danger,” Coach Smith said. “I am deeply disappointed in his actions and it comes at a time when our team and our fans should be excited about March Madness. However, Desmond will now have to pay the price, and we will abide by the Athletics Association’s policy.”

Allison has played in all 31 games with 29 starts this season, averaging 7.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 apg. He is not expected to play again this season.