Iowa’s Pierce Is Kicked Off Team

Iowa basketball star Pierre Pierce was kicked off the team Wednesday while under investigation by West Des Moines police for intent to commit sexual abuse, burglary and other crimes at the home of a former girlfriend.

The 21-year-old Pierce, who averaged 17.8 points this season, met for more than two hours Wednesday with investigators who are considering whether to file criminal charges against the junior guard, Pierce’s attorney, Alfredo Parrish said.

“He answered all of their questions,” said Parrish, who declined to comment on details of the interview.

Iowa officials were quick to make a decision on Pierce.

“Effective immediately, Pierre Pierce has been dismissed from the University of Iowa men’s basketball team,” Coach Steve Alford said in a statement. “I regret this step has become necessary, but Pierre has betrayed the trust we placed in him when he was given a second chance two years ago.”

In 2002, Pierce was charged with third-degree sexual abuse.