Typically when turmoil hits sports teams, the higher-ups — whether that be the coaches or the front office, or both — get together to suss out the most clear and concise response when time comes to address the public.
You might see reports of such-and-such “has not commented on the matter yet” or “is planning to release a statement later today” or something of that nature. It’s a tactic that gives a team just a bit of say in what the media prints about said turmoil, while keeping the amount information available to the public to a favorable minimum.
So our minds began to swirl with questions when Louisville announced Sunday afternoon that Chris Jones has been dismissed from the U of L hoops squad and that “there will be no comment on the matter.”
First question that comes to mind: What did the senior point guard do this time? He was just reinstated from an “indefinite” suspension three days ago, and has been on and off the court due to “violating unspecified team rules.” What did he do in three days that put final punctuation on his tenure with the Cardinals?
Next question: How much of this has to do with coach Rick Pitino? He has been quite vocal about his disapproval with Jones’ attitude, or whatever it is that he has done in breaking these “unspecified rules.” Pitino has said on one occasion that the issues with Jones “are not basketball related” but then has been quoted on another occasion referring to the player as a “knucklehead” or accused him of not listening to other coaches.
Most important question: How is Louisville going to pick up the slack in his absence? Jones was the team’s leader in assists with 3.6 apg, and third on the team in scoring with an average 13.7 points per game. With him on the bench during the last suspension, Louisville’s ball movement struggled.
A couple sources have said on Sunday that this story is ongoing, so perhaps we might get down to the bottom of what sealed Jones’ basketball fate. All we can do until then is watch how Louisville performs without him, starting with their tilt Monday night.
*Section Photo credit to Andy Lyons, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Jamie Rhodes, USA Today Sports
