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NMSU player suspended indefinitely after punching opponent in the face (video)

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New Mexico State University basketball player Robert Carpenter has been suspended indefinitely for throwing a sneaky punch at an opposing player during a game Thursday, the school announced Friday.

The fatal blow came midway through the first half of NMSU’s 79-73 overtime win over Liberty. Carpenter exchanged blows with Flames forward Shiloh Robinson while jockeying for position for the rebound, and the fight ended with Carpenter punching Robinson in the face as Robinson began to run into transition.

Here is the piece in question:

Carpenter, who averages 9.7 points per game, was immediately ejected from the game.

NMSU head coach Jason Hooten apologized to Liberty talking to reporters after the game and said he was “shocked” by what happened. He reiterated that Carpenter would be suspended for at least one game under Conference USA rules.

The school clearly went beyond this requirement, emphasizing the importance of “giving the values ​​of sportsmanship and respect the highest priority” in its program.

In a separate statement, Hooten apologized again while defending Carpenter’s character and revealing that the player apologized to Robinson and his own teammates after the game:

“I want to once again sincerely apologize to Liberty University and Coach McKay for Robert’s behavior last night. During my 14-year career as a head coach, I have always maintained a high standard of conduct and this has never occurred in my programs, nor is it acceptable.

“Robert is a good kid. Unfortunately, he exercised poor judgment during the game and made a mistake. I believe he is a guy of character, as are all the guys we bring into this program. Last night, Robert had the opportunity to meet with the Liberty student-athlete involved in the incident and apologize in person. Robert has since also apologized to his teammates and the community for his behavior.

“We will continue to provide scientific support to Robert and will re-examine the extent of the suspension in the near future.”

November 6, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; New Mexico State Aggies forward Robert Carpenter (21) throws the ball against Kentucky Wildcats guard Adou Thiero (3) during the first half at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Photo Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY SportsNovember 6, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; New Mexico State Aggies forward Robert Carpenter (21) throws the ball against Kentucky Wildcats guard Adou Thiero (3) during the first half at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Photo Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Carpenter may have to wait a while before he can play again. (Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports) (USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect / Reuters)

Carpenter is in his first season at New Mexico State, continuing a career that has seen him join a different program each season since his freshman year in 2019-20.

The Detroit native began his career at St. Bonaventure before transferring to Pearl River Community College, Mississippi Valley State and Kent State. He was a sought-after player in the transfer portal last season due to his season at Mississippi Valley State, in which he averaged 17.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.

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