Northridge Players Ponder the Future

Somber and subdued members of the Cal State Northridge women’s basketball team did not practice Thursday, choosing instead to meet and further discuss the arrest of their coach.

Michael Abraham, set to begin his fourth season at Northridge, was taken into custody by federal authorities Tuesday night and charged with conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. He faces 10 years to life in prison if convicted.

The team released a statement Wednesday expressing shock and the belief that somehow Abraham will return. Whether those feelings changed a day later was difficult to determine.

“We’ve decided not to talk individually, but we might have another statement as a team,” said Viveca Lof, a sophomore center from Sweden who is among three players Abraham recruited from Europe.

Abraham, who could not be reached for comment, was released on bail Wednesday night. He lives one block from campus with his wife Trisonya and their two children, but acting Coach Judy Brame said, “I don’t think we’ll see him.”

Many players have spent considerable time socially at Abraham’s home. And at least one former player plans to continue to do so.

“I’m going to call Trisonya and offer to help with the kids,” said Nikki Hamilton, who played at Northridge the past two seasons. “It’s a shame to see the team in jeopardy.”