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The good news at Mizzou Arena Sunday night, that Missouri had secured its first NCAA Tournament bid in five years, was inevitably followed by questions about the bad. Tigers coach Cuonzo Martin confirmed that senior Jordan Barnett, who was arrested early Saturday morning for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, is currently suspended. Barnett will not play when Missouri faces Florida State on Friday, but he can practice with the team beforehand and travel to Nashville.
"He's suspended right now, as we speak," Martin said. "He won't play Friday. He can travel, he can practice, but he won't play."
The Missouri student-athlete handbook mandates a one-week suspension for any player arrested for driving under the influence. Since Barnett's suspension began prior to Sunday, Barnett could be eligible to return to the court if the Tigers win their first-round tournament matchup. Martin said he has not ruled out that possibility.
The loss of Barnett means an already thin Missouri team will be even thinner Friday. Martin will have just seven scholarship players, along with walk-on Brett Rau, at his disposal. Barnett was second on the team in scoring (13.7 points per game), rebounding (5.9 per game) and minutes played (34.1 per game). Asked how the team will adjust to Barnett's absence, Martin said it will use the same next-man-up mentality it has all season.
"We've managed to this point," Martin said. "I mean, you have (Michael Porter Jr.) in the fold. Jordan is out, Mike is in. ... Keep going."
Junior forward Kevin Puryear was somber when asked about Barnett's absence Sunday. Puryear said Barnett's mistake should not overshadow his contributions to the team's tournament berth.
"That’s our brother," Puryear said. "Regardless of the mistakes that he’s made, we’re always going to be by his side. ... Still I think this is a great moment for him, it’s a great moment for our team. I mean, he’s been a great contributor this whole season, left it all out there on the floor. He’s done a lot for this university and this team."
