COLUMBIA, Mo. _ Missouri senior forward Jordan Barnett was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated by University of Missouri police around 3 a.m. Saturday morning, MUPD Maj. Brian Weimer said.
Barnett is the basketball team's second-leading scorer. The transfer from Texas has averaged 13.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game this season. Recently, coach Cuonzo Martin has praised Barnett as the team's best defender.
According to police, Barnett was stopped at the corner of Stadium Boulevard and Ashland Road and was later released on his signature promising to appear in municipal court. Team spokesman Patrick Crawford said the program was aware Barnett was "involved in an incident last night" and had no further comment at this time.
According to the Missouri student-athlete handbook, "consequences for driving under the influence" are a minimum one-week suspension for a first offense.
The Tigers' depth will take a huge blow if they lose Barnett. With him, Missouri has eight available scholarship players.
Mizzou (20-12) lost to Georgia in the Southeastern Conference Tournament on Thursday and will learn whether it makes the NCAA Tournament on Sunday. First-round games are Thursday and Friday. If the Tigers advance, they'd play on Saturday or Sunday in the second round.
