Rayshawn Goins---UPDATE--Dukes take off

Bus to potential glory

   At 5:28 p.m. a bus carrying all 14 JMU basketball players slowly rolled out of the Convocation Center parking lot on the way the local Harrisonburg airport. Their next stop, Dayton.

   It was announced just before 5 p.m. that Rayshawn Goins would be suspended for the first half of Wednesday's first four game between JMU and LIU-Brooklyn. In case you were out of the loop, this suspension stems from Goins' participation in an off-campus party Saturday night. He was charged with misdemeanor 'disorderly conduct' and 'obstruction of justice.'

   Here is the statement from the university:

   "In accordance with JMU athletic policy, Coach Matt Brady is suspending Rayshawn Goins for the first half of the NCAA Tournament game on Wednesday night in Dayton. After having thoroughly reviewed the details in this case, the athletic administration supports Coach Brady's decision.  Matters involving student athletes are reviewed independently on a case by case basis.  Appropriate action is taken based on the details of each case.  At this time, there are no additional details to provide until this specific case processes through the legal system."

"Smile," Brady joked as the team posed with fans.

   While it may sound like a hindrance to some, there are positives. He could have been suspended for the entire game, multiple games, or not been allowed to travel at all. 

   

   “It’s an unfortunate situation,” Brady told me just before the team left. “And the punishment I and the university came up with is suitable for the situation.”

   Goins averages 28 and a half minutes a game this season along with 12.7 points/7.4 rebounds.

   So is it good to have a resolution to this problem?

   “It is and it isn’t,” Brady said. “We’re trying not to let it bother us because we’ve dealt with a lot of issues all through the year. This isn’t the first time we’ve had issues. I’m treating it nothing less than another injury so we’re going to move forward.”

   The Dukes will arrive in Dayton sometime tonight and then they'll eat dinner and watch some tape. A practice is scheduled for around 12:50 p.m. inside the Dayton Arena gym tomorrow afternoon.

“We’re excited to play the game and we’re excited to hopefully get a win," Brady said. “I just want to play our best basketball. We’re going to have to play really well to win so we’ll see where it goes.”

   Finally, Brady told the crowd of a few dozen that came to send them off,"we're going to bring home, not one win, not two, but three wins."

Photo Credit: Gene Swindle

Devon Moore and the Dukes are not done making their statement.