new mexico Men’s basketball player Robert Carpenter will miss at least one game after being ejected for punching forward Shiloh Robinson in the face during Thursday night’s game against Liberty.
The incident occurred early in the first half when Carpenter and Robinson tangled with Carpenter under the net. Seeking a rebound.
New Mexico State University Aggies forward Robert Carpenter, 21, faces off against Kentucky Wildcats forward Tre Mitchell, 4, during the first half at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. , received a foul. (Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports)
As Robinson turned around and tried to walk down the court, Carpenter swung at him from behind and appeared to hit Robinson in the face.
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“First of all, I would like to apologize, liberty university “I put the blame on coach (Richie) McKay for that incident,” New Mexico State men’s basketball coach Jason Hooten said in a postgame press conference, adding, “I don’t think Rob was in that mental state. Even if there was something that caused him to fall into that trap and act like that, it’s still unacceptable.” . ”
Carpenter, in his first season with the program after transferring from Mississippi Valley State, was called for two egregious fouls and was ejected from the game. According to ESPN, Robinson did not return.
“First of all, that’s not how we’re trying to do it here at New Mexico State. I think everyone knows me. My 31-year career and 14 as a head coach. Over the years, I think everyone knows me as, “That’s the type of person I am,” Hooten continued.
Shiloh Robinson, No. 33 of the Liberty Flames, watches during the He Gets Us Hall of Fame Series vs. the Charlotte 49ers at Spectrum Center on November 10, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Mitchell Leighton/Getty Images)
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“I’m very proud of who I am. We would never do that in our program.”
Hooten said he believes Carpenter will be suspended for at least one game, but if that happens he could spend more time on the bench. conference usa If it is deemed necessary after examining the incident.
“I think in every league that I’ve been in, usually if there’s a game, there’s a break in the game. Then Conference USA gets together and looks at the video and sees if it needs to be longer. will be considered.”
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Either way, Hooten knows Carpenter will not play in Saturday’s home game against Jacksonville State.
“My rule is he doesn’t play on Saturday. He has to miss at least Saturday. Then we’ll figure out what the further implications are as we move forward.”
Carpenter is a junior playing in his first season with the Aggies.
New Mexico State University Aggies forward Robert Carpenter, 21, attends a game between the New Mexico State University Aggies and the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on November 6, 2023 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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he played before mississippi valley state From 2021 to 2022, he was the team’s top scorer with an average of 16.4 points. He also played a season at San Bonaventure.
“I know Robert very well. He’s a really, really, really good guy and a really good kid,” Hooten said. “Again, I’m shocked by what happened, but I also know that there’s probably no one more remorseful than him now. I’m sure he knows what he did. I know I feel really bad about that and there’s no room for that in the game at all, and I feel like that’s really bad as a coach and I feel responsible for that.”
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