As The University of Memphis men's basketball team prepares to open official practice next month, yet another criminal investigation looms over the Tiger's program: This time it's not just Jeremy Hunt.
"Jeremy Hunt and Andre Allen have been suspended indefinitely from the Tiger basketball team due to violation of team policy," said Bob Winn, associate athletic director.
The Commercial Appeal reported Saturday that Hunt "left Beale Street bleeding from the area near his right ear after getting into a fight with a bouncer from Club 152."
While no charges were filed, Hunt's suspension will still stand because he violated team rules.
This report comes on the heels of an earlier ruling by General Sessions Criminal Court Judge Joyce Broffitt in a preliminary hearing Aug. 29 to proceed with the domestic assault charges against Hunt in a separate incident.
The ruling followed misdemeanor assault charges filed against Hunt last January by ex-girlfriend and former lady Tiger basketball guard Tamika Rogers.
Hunt's suspension was announced Thursday by head basketball coach John Calipari a day before Allen's indefinite suspension was handed out after he appeared in court Friday to face misdemeanor charges of patronizing a prostitute.
The police report stated Allen solicited an undercover Memphis police detective for oral sex on Lamar Avenue.
Even though suspensions have been announced to be "indefinite," how long each player will spend off the court is still to be determined.
"I can't say how long indefinitely is," Winn said. "When more information becomes available, we will make it available."
Hunt's last suspension, following his assault arrest, lasted only two games.
That has left many U of M students wondering exactly how harsh a punishment The University will deal out this time.
"The University should enforce more consequences to set better examples to others," said psychology major Jacob White. "I feel that athletes should take on responsibilities of representing The University of Memphis."
Hunt's criminal problems have also left sophomore history and French major Jennah Green wondering how much The U of M will tolerate.
"He had a domestic assault charge and now assault. That boy has some problems with self-control," Green said. "If we are handing out scholarships to guys who beat people up all the time, maybe we should hand out more academic scholarships instead of athletic scholarships."
Even though Hunt and Allen both play for The U of M, their actions off the court should not be associated with The University, said Anthony Wright, freshman political science major.
"It doesn't reflect bad on The University because it is a personal issue," he said. "They should be suspended a couple games and maybe made to do some community service."
Allen, Hunt and Athletic Director R.C. Johnson could not be reached for comment.
