Oregon’s Crosswhite Dismissed From Team

Oregon forward Ian Crosswhite has been dismissed from the team after being suspended last week.

Coach Ernie Kent suspended the 6-foot-11 junior from Australia indefinitely last Wednesday for an undisclosed violation of athletic department policy. Kent announced on Tuesday that Crosswhite would not return. No details were released.

Kent said only that Crosswhite will remain at the university and retain his scholarship.

Crosswhite averaged 8.4 points and 5.7 rebounds a game.

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Iowa Coach Steve Alford rejected an appeal by Pierre Pierce to reconsider his dismissal from the team.

Alford met with Pierce for about 15 minutes. Pierce, the team’s leading scorer, was dismissed from the squad two weeks ago after police confirmed he was the focus of an investigation.

His next step is to appeal Alford’s decision in writing to Athletic Director Bob Bowlsby. Bowlsby has said Pierce will remain on scholarship for the rest of this school year.

Pierce was charged last week with burglary, domestic assault, assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, false imprisonment and criminal mischief. The most serious charge, first-degree burglary, carries a maximum penalty of up to 25 years in prison upon conviction.

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Michigan point guard Daniel Horton pleaded guilty to a charge of domestic violence.

Horton, who has been one of Michigan’s best players the past three seasons and was named the most valuable player of last season’s National Invitation Tournament, is accused of grabbing his girlfriend by the neck and choking her on Dec. 10.

Horton, who is free on bond, could face up to 93 days in jail and a $500 fine on the misdemeanor charge when he is sentenced March 9. But his attorney, Gerald Evelyn, said he expects his client to be sentenced to probation and counseling.