Rutgers University freshman star Kiyomi McMiller has been left out of the Scarlet Knights women's basketball team for the second consecutive game amid speculation about her future with the program.
McMiller was suspended from Saturday's game against No. 4 USC due to a “coach's decision,” and the former five-star recruit posted an apology to fans on social media before the game.
The Rutgers guard was then kept off the court in Wednesday's game against Minnesota, even though he was not listed as out or questionable on the team's availability report.
Rutgers University Athletics Public Relations Officer told NJ.com “The decision for McMiller not to play was a game-time decision and was made after his availability report was submitted.”
McMiller quickly became a star for the Scarlet Knights, averaging 19.9 points per game (second in the Big Ten) and leading the team with 45 total assists.
In an Instagram post that has since been deleted, she wrote about the situation.
“I want to apologize to my fans,” she wrote over the weekend. “I will not play in today's game against No. 4 ranked USC in the nation. This decision was made by my head coach, Coxie Washington. Thank you for your continued support.”
NJ.com reported McMiller was disciplined after getting into an argument with a teammate in the locker room after a recent game.
Washington was asked about McMiller's absence after the loss to USC and said they wanted to keep the issue within the team.
“Well, I'm going to keep Kiyomi within the company.” Washington told reporters.
She further elaborated on her coaching philosophy and the impact she hopes to have on her players.
Our decisions are reflected in this program, which is about defining and developing character in young people,” Washington said. “As we deal with different situations and circumstances, the first thing that matters to me is how do I impact these young men? How do you use it to develop teenagers into young women?
Multiple outlets pointed out McMiller reportedly expressed disappointment that he did not play in Rutgers' 50-point loss to USC and shared a post from an upset fan.
McMiller's advisor hinted to NJ.com about the possibility of a transfer.
“Who knows what her future holds now?” Leonard Ellerbe told the outlet.
McMiller's father, Mike, sought to dispel this speculation. Interview with On3 earlier this week.
“Kiyomi's goal was to stay at Rutgers and never transfer,” he said. “That's still the goal. The goal is to finish the job. I'm not thinking about transferring at the moment.”
Rutgers also lost 76-50 on Wednesday.
