The Big Ten Conference office announced today that Illinois men’s basketball player Alan Griffin has been suspended two games and issued a public reprimand for violating the Big Ten Sportsmanship Policy after he struck an opposing player near the 12:18 mark of the first half against Purdue on Jan. 21, 2020. Griffin received a flagrant 2 personal foul from the game officials for his action and was ejected, missing the final 32 minutes of the contest. Griffin is ineligible to play in Illinois’ next two games on Jan. 25, 2020 against Michigan and Jan. 30, 2020 against Minnesota.
“After a thoughtful and thorough review of this incident, we are all extremely fortunate this did not create a hostile and unsafe environment for the players, coaches, game officials and fans,” said Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren. “It is important for me to emphasize and make it crystal clear that such behavior will not be tolerated, period. We place the utmost importance on the safety and well-being of our players, coaches, game officials and fans. The situation provides a teachable moment for all parties involved, especially our student-athletes as they use their time in the Big Ten to grow as individuals both on and off the field of competition.”
Big Ten Conference Agreement 10.01 states in part that “The Big Ten Conference expects all contests involving a member institution to be conducted without compromise to any fundamental element of sportsmanship. Such fundamental elements include integrity of the competition, civility toward all, and respect, particularly toward opponents and officials.”
The Big Ten Conference considers this matter concluded.
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