MINNEAPOLIS -- Sophomore guard Rico Tucker will miss both of
Minnesota's exhibition games, and only be allowed to take part in
practices that don't conflict with classes, until he improves his
schoolwork.
Coach Dan Monson called it ``academic lockdown,'' but declined
to characterize his decision as a suspension. Tucker, who played in
all 32 games last season, is expected to be a key reserve for the
Gophers this season if he can get his grades in order and return to
full participation.
His absence would hurt Minnesota's backcourt depth, with
freshman Kevin Payton currently out following shoulder surgery.
Monson said he will re-evaluate Tucker's situation each week, but
the coach said he didn't see him returning for a while.