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Player who spat at Monmouth basketball fan suspended
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- Player who spat at Monmouth basketball fan suspended
Player who spat at Monmouth basketball fan suspended
Stony Brook men's basketball leading scorer Erik Pratt was suspended on Friday, Feb. 27 by his school for spitting at a Monmouth basektball fan court side during Thursday's night game at the OceanFirst Bank Center in West Long Branch. Pratt was ejected from the game.
A statement released by Stony Brook Director of Athletics Shawn Helibron said Pratt will miss Saturday's conference game against Hofstra.
"I have made the decision in consultation with the CAA to suspend Erik Pratt for Saturday's game at Hofstra. I met with Erik earlier, and he acknowledged his mistake while accepting full responsibility for his actions," Helibron said.
Pratt apologized for his behavior on his Instagram story.
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"First, to Monmouth University and the fans specifically. Second, to Stony Brook University. I take full responsibility for my lapse in judgement," he wrote. "It was a let down to my teammates, my coaches & an improper representation of Stony Brook University. That isn't who I am or how I am to represent myself, my family, or my school. I apologize."
Monmouth AD Jennifer Sansevero in a statement said the league notified her school "of its decision, made in collaboration with Stony Brook University, to suspend the student-athlete.
"We consider it resolved," she added.
With 2:30 left in the game, Pratt spat at a Monmouth fan in the student section. The Hawks were leading 79-63 and went on to win 82-69. Pratt finished with 14 points.
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Monmouth head coach King Rice went over to give Pratt a handshake before leaving the court.
"I hate that that happened for him," Rice said after the game. "I hope it's over now. I hope they don't make him sit out next game because it's critical time."
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Stony Brook's Erik Pratt suspended for spitting at Monmouth basketball fan
