March 2, 2009

QUEENS, N.Y. - Red Storm head men's basketball coach Norm Roberts announced that sophomore forward/center Dele Coker will be suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules, specifically not meeting the team's required academic responsibilities.

Coker will not practice with the team or compete in any contests during the time of his suspension.

"Playing basketball at St. John's University is a privilege, and the responsibilities of our players include being students first, and athletes second," said Roberts. "We have high expectations for our student-athletes, and there are consequences for when those expectations are not met, particularly when it concerns the individual's academic responsibilities."

Coker played in 28 of the team's games, averaging 2.6 points and 2.4 rebounds and averaging 10.9 minutes per outing. He is also averaging a team-best 1.14 blocked shots per game.