Kent State men’s basketball guard suspended

Joe Harrington

Sophomore Chris Singletary’s future up in the air after violating team rules

Chris Singletary, a sophomore guard on the Kent State men’s basketball team, has been suspended indefinitely by the Kent State athletic department for violating team rules. Singletary was suspended for two games earlier this season for violating campus policies. The suspension came moments before Sunday’s 67-58 win over Western Michigan.

The Chicago native, who averages 9.4 points per game, had started the last eight games for the Flashes and was averaging 11.4 points in those games. He, along with senior forward Mike Scott, led the team with 18 points in Wednesday’s victory over Akron. The Flashes are 18-7 all-time with Singletary in the line-up.

The athletic department did not indicate how long Singletary’s suspension would last, but Kent State Athletic Director Laing Kennedy said in a press release that Singletary could return soon.

“We fully support Chris as he goes through this difficult time and we look forward to him rejoining the team in the near future,” Kennedy said.

The team violation was not described, but the incident happened off campus on Friday night. Singletary said in the press release that he was sorry for disappointing the university and fans.

“I want to apologize to my family, my teammates, the fans and to the administration at Kent State for my action over the weekend. I let all of you — and myself — down.” Singletary said in the press release.

“There is a lot going on in my personal life, which I let affect my judgment in a negative manner and I am truly sorry that my actions have cast a negative light on the program. I would also ask for your understanding as I deal with these very difficult issues off the court,” Singletary said.

Singletary will travel to Eastern Michigan with the team for Wednesday’s game against the Eagles.

“Right now, I want to do what’s best for Chris,” Kent State coach Jim Christian said. “We want to help him as best we can and worry about basketball later.”

Contact assistant sports editor Joe Harrington at [email protected].