Grizzly Basketball Player Spencer Coleman Removed From Team

According to a recently released statement from the University of Montana, Grizzly basketball player Spencer Coleman has been dismissed from the team as of Friday, June 7. However, there is still little information as to why Coleman was cut.

"I don't want to dive too deep into the specifics of this, but it was just a time to make this change and so that decision was made," said Grizzly Athletics Director Kent Haslam.

Coleman has made the news twice this year for run-ins with the law. Once in February when he was caught speeding and possessing alcohol as a minor, and again in May when he was arrested for driving under the influence.

The official release describes Coleman as a " 6-6 ½, forward from Eugene, Oregon [who] played in 32 games and started in 18 as a junior last season. He was UM’s fourth leading rebounder (3.7 rpg) and fifth in scoring (6.6 ppg)."

According to Haslam, the decision was made by himself and Head Coach Wayne Tinkle and does not extend beyond basketball.

"Spencer is welcome to come back and be a student at the University of Montana," said Haslam. "The decision has simply been that he's been dismissed from playing for the men's basketball program. This decision is a combination of the head coach in combination with the athletic director."

University of Montana Athletic Director Kent Haslam