Redshirt juniors B.J. Maxwell and Jalone Friday were dismissed from the basketball team Thursday for “violating university policies and behavior inconsistent with the values of the university,” according to a university press release.
Maxwell and Friday were both starters for the team during the 2018-19 season. Friday leaves as the team leader in scoring for the Wildcats at 13.1 points per game, while Maxwell averaged 9.2.
Emerald Cassidy, public relations director for the university, said she could not provide further details about the violation nor suspension. Sports information director Lance Fleming said neither he, athletic director Allen Ward nor any of the coaches could comment further about the dismissal. Friday would not comment and Maxwell could not be reached.
“While we can’t comment on specific student discipline matters, we are committed to maintaining a learning community that reflects the standards guiding our mission and shaping our identity as a Christian university,” the university said in a follow-up statement regarding questions about a Title IX investigation.
Friday was honored with Southland Freshman of the Year after his redshirt season. He has been a part of the starting lineup each of the three years he’s been active. This season, he also led the team in blocks (22) and was one of three players on the team to have at least 300 points and 100 rebounds on the year.
This is not the first time Friday has been disciplined. Last month, he was suspended for three away games for violating the team’s rules.
Maxwell posted a three-point shooting percentage of 40.5 this season. He also led the starters in free throw percentage at 85.3 and was one of the other players to reach over 100 rebounds.
Friday is a child and family services major from Oklahoma City, and Maxwell is a convergence journalism major from Austin. Maxwell also serves as a news writer on the Optimist staff.