New Mexico State’s Robert Carpenter ejected for punch vs. Liberty

New Mexico State ahead Robert Carpenter was ejected from Thursday night time’s recreation in opposition to Liberty for punching ahead Shiloh Robinson within the face, and Aggies coach Jason Hooten mentioned he anticipates Carpenter might be suspended.

Carpenter was issued a flagrant foul 2 and rapidly tossed for the punch within the first half of New Mexico State’s 79-73 time beyond regulation win on the Pan American Heart in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Carpenter and Robinson had tangled whereas battling for place below the ring, and as Robinson turned to move again down the courtroom, Carpenter struck Robinson within the face. Robinson fell to the bottom, clutching his face, and was attended to by workers.

Hooten, in his postgame information convention, mentioned he had not had a possibility to evaluate the incident or what may need led to it. He apologized to Liberty coach Ritchie McKay for Carpenter’s actions, saying they have been “not acceptable.”

“That is not the best way that we’ll do issues right here at New Mexico State College,” mentioned Hooten, who’s in his first yr overseeing a program seeking to flip the web page from hazing accusations and a lethal taking pictures final season.

Hooten expressed shock at Carpenter’s actions, calling him “a extremely good child.” However he added, “There’s simply no room, no room for that within the recreation, in any respect.”

Hooten mentioned he expects Convention USA will droop Carpenter for a minimum of the Aggies’ subsequent recreation, Saturday in opposition to Jacksonville State, and presumably longer as soon as officers evaluate the video.

“My rule is he will not play on Saturday,” Hooten mentioned.

Carpenter, a junior, is in his first season taking part in for New Mexico State following a switch from Mississippi Valley State. He additionally performed beforehand for St. Bonaventure. He’s averaging 10.2 factors, 4.1 rebounds and 0.2 assists in 19.2 minutes per recreation for the Aggies.