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Villanova’s freshman Pinkston suspended for season

Villanova freshman forward JayVaughn Pinkston has been suspended from the university for the spring semester for his role in an off-campus altercation last month, meaning he won't play any basketball for the Wildcats this season, the university announced today.

Villanova freshman forward JayVaughn Pinkston has been suspended from the university for the spring semester for his role in an off-campus altercation last month, meaning he won't play any basketball for the Wildcats this season, the university announced today.

In a statement, Villanova said the suspension was a "result of disciplinary proceedings" but would not specify what they were, adding that "all other aspects of ... [the] disciplinary process as it relates to Pinkston are confidential."

"During this time, Pinkston will not be permitted to attend classes or play basketball for the university," the statement said. "In June 2011, Pinkston will regain his status as a 'student in good standing' and will be eligible to resume competition as a member of Villanova's men's basketball team, which he intends to do."

Villanova coach Jay Wright said he supported the university's decision.

"JayVaughn understands that there are consequences to his actions," Wright said in the statement, "and I believe he will contiue to handle this in a mature manner. We look forward to his return in June."

Pinkston also was quoted in the statement as saying: "I am sorry. This situation is my responsibility and I have learned from it. I am going to work extremely hard to that I can return to the Villanova family in June."

Pinkston, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was charged by Upper Merion Township police with two counts of simple assault and harrassment in connection with a Nov. 6 incident at a party off campus. Police said he became involved in an argument with several people who attended the party. Two of them went to Bryn Mawr Hospital for treatment.

A report in the New York Daily News quoted a source as saying the 6-foot-7, 260-pound Pinkston had been locked in a room and, after he broke the door down to get out, he confronted the men responsible for the prank.

Pinkston was named a McDonald's All-American at Bishop Loughlin High School and won New York City player of the year honors as a senior.