Stewart to Be Ineligible for Tournament

UC Irvine senior Keith Stewart is not expected to rejoin the team for the Big West Conference tournament, his career apparently ended by academic ineligibility because he fell below the NCAA’s 12-unit minimum.

“I broke a rule, and I’ve got to live with it,” Stewart said.

Stewart, who averaged 16 points, was Irvine’s second-leading scorer. He has been replaced in the lineup by freshman Todd Whitehead.

Stewart, on track to graduate after next quarter, said he dropped a class he did not need for graduation because he wanted to avoid a failing grade. He did not think it would affect his eligibility because he is a senior. NCAA rules require full-time student status for athletes to play.

Stewart also revealed that he will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery March 17 to “clean out” cartilage in his left knee. The injury bothered him for about half the season. He missed three regular-season games because of the ineligibility.

“It’s hard, but it wasn’t like it was 10 games,” he said, adding that he will be with the team during the tournament next weekend. “I’m still part of the team. I’ll be there.”