Ohio State -22.5, 3*
Laying the heavy wood with confidence. Tenn St. coach Nolan Richardson III was suspended yesterday w/o reason, and it soundslike they are about to can him for violations. Now his kids hit the road with his and their futures in the back of their heads, and play at the toughest venue yet.
TSU doesn't have size or depth to compete here, struggles w/ TO's and FT shooting. They also lost by 33 at medicore Big Ten team Iowa, and lost by 12 on the road against something called "Lipscomb."
Buckeyes had a tough early season schedule but they should be ready to take some of it out on lesser teams.With O'Brien at the helm I don't think they come out flat, even against TSU.
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From the Tennessean:
Tennessee State men's basketball coach Nolan Richardson III was placed on indefinite suspension yesterday by Athletics Director Teresa Phillips due to an undisclosed violation of university policy.
Richardson did not travel with the Tigers for today's game at Ohio State. Assistant coach Hosea Lewis will serve as acting coach until further notice.
Richardson, when contacted at his Nashville home last night, declined to comment. Phillips had not returned phone calls by presstime, and Lewis said he would not have any comments until after today's game.
It is unclear whether the suspension is related to an ongoing NCAA investigation into alleged rules infractions by Richardson and his staff.
That probe, of which the university was notified in mid-October, had been expected to conclude earlier this month. However, the NCAA enforcement staff had to push its timetable back due to other investigations that were in progress. It is now hoped the inquiry will be completed by the end of January.
Among the allegations against Richardson and his staff are:
? Impermissible out-of-season practice activities;
? Unauthorized individuals recruiting off campus;
? Exceeding time limits for athletically related activities;
? Provision of recruiting inducements;
? Extra benefits to prospective student-athletes;
? Unethical conduct by a member of the coaching staff.
Phillips has not been shy in intimating that Richardson's hold on his job is tenuous and has said she won't necessarily be tied to the investigation being concluded before making a decisive move.
In two-plus seasons, Richardson has posted a 23-41 record.
TSU (2-5) follows today's game with a trip to 14th-ranked Kentucky on Monday, before opening Ohio Valley Conference play Thursday against visiting Morehead State.
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