Illinois player released on bond
Illinois basketball player Jamar Smith -- charged with drunk driving and leaving the scene of an accident -- turned himself in to authorities Wednesday in Champaign, Ill.
Smith was processed and released after posting 10% of a $10,000 bond set by Judge Tom Difanis, authorities said.
Defense attorney Mark Lipton said that Smith, 19, planned to plead not guilty to the charges and would request a jury trial.
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Illinois’ controversial American Indian mascot, Chief Illiniwek, made his last performance at an athletic event during halftime of the Michigan-Illinois game at Champaign.
Removing the chief frees the university of NCAA sanctions after the organization deemed Illiniwek -- portrayed by buckskin-clad students who dance at home football and basketball games and other athletic events -- an offensive use of American Indian imagery and barred the school from staging postseason athletic events.
The sanctions, which were issued in 2005, were to end after Wednesday night’s appearance.
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North Carolina State Coach Sidney Lowe left the Wolfpack’s game against North Carolina at halftime because of dehydration. Assistant Monte Towe coached the team in the second half of an 83-64 loss at Chapel Hill, N.C.
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