WAC suspends Washington for one game

RENO - Nevada will be without senior forward Jermaine Washington when it hosts Rice Wednesday night at Lawlor Events Center.

According to WAC officials, Washington has been suspended for the NCAA-mandated one game after being ejected for fighting in Nevada's 62-60 win at UTEP Saturday night.

Nevada trailed 24-20 with about 8 1/2 minutes left in the first half when the game turned ugly. Washington was playing behind Omar Thomas. Replays showed that Washington pushed Thomas in the back and that Thomas retaliated with an elbow. Washington then threw a punch. The altercation was quickly broken up by other players and coaches.

The decision to suspend Washington came late Monday afternoon after WAC Commissioner Karl Benson was able to ascertain from lead referee Paul Kaster that Washington was removed from the game for fighting and not because it was a flagrant foul.

Nevada coach Mark Fox had no comment on the situation on Monday.

Dave Chaffin, WAC assistant commissioner/media relations, said there is still a possibility further sanctions could be forthcoming because the WAC has a sportsmanship clause in its bylaws. Those penalties could include both Thomas and Washington.

"We're still looking at video," Chaffin said. "If there are any added penalties, they will be announced tomorrow (Tuesday)."

"Jermaine feels bad about it," Fox told The Associated Press at Monday's Time-out Luncheon at the Silver Legacy. "He apologized to our athletic director (Cary Groth)."

Efforts to reach Groth were unsuccessful. She was at an off-campus meeting, according to department officials.

Darrell Moody can be reached at dmoody@nevadaappeal.com, or by calling (775) 881-1281