UCLA

Sophomore forward JaRon Rush is back on the court and playing better than ever. Bruins young and old got a pleasant surprise on February 28, when the NCAA granted UCLA's pleas for mercy and knocked 20 games off Rush's seemingly endless suspension. For anyone who has spent basketball season under a rock, or just watching hockey, Rush has been sitting since December 10, when the NCAA began investigating his relationship with former AAU coach Myron Piggie. When Rush admitted to taking money from Jerome Stanley, an agent tied to Piggie, the NCAA stuck him with a 15-game suspension and a $200 fine. Then the NCAA tacked on 29 more games of pine time and an additional $6,525 debt when it determined that Rush had accepted thousands of dollars worth of benefits from Piggie.

Rush thought he'd remain on the bench through the first 17 games of next season, but the NCAA granted him a surprising reprieve and reduced the 29-game suspension to 9 games. Rush's number came up just in time for the Bruins' trip to Stanford, otherwise known as Upset City. Rush put up 19 crucial points in his first game since December 1, and hit a jumper in the last three seconds of overtime to topple the top-ranked Cardinal, 94-93. The upset at Stanford capped a 4-game winning streak for UCLA, placing the Bruins firmly on the right side of the bubble for a big Number 6 seed in the Midwest Region.

On the feminine side, Lady Bruin forward Ayesha Rembert is still suspended, with theft charges pending against her. Rembert pleaded not guilty to the charge that she stole $3,000 worth of property from her friend and fellow student Tiffiny Walls. Thanks to two continuances from the judge, Rembert will be appearing in Municipal Court later this month while the Lady Bruins prepare for the NCAA Tournament. Stay tuned for further details.

From CNN/SI:

UCLA Suspends Rush

Rush's Career Likely Done

Grand Jury Investigating Rush's Former Summer Coach

Rush Admits to Taking Money

UCLA's Rush: Taking Money Was Mistake

Rush Says Greed Prompted Him to Take Money From Agent

No Rush: NCAA taking its time in UCLA star's case

UCLA to appeal for Rush

NCAA reinstates UCLA's Rush

From the Sporting News:

Bruins' Rush waits on NCAA's ruling

UCLA's Rush suspended for another full season

From CBS Sportsline:

Maggette Also Questioned in Probe of Former AAU Coach

Former AAU Coach Denies Involvement in Rush Brothers' Suspensions

UCLA To Appeal NCAA Penalties

UCLA's JaRon Rush Issues Statement Regarding Suspension

Arraignment Set for UCLA Forward

From ESPN:

Piggie Denies Paying Rush Brothers

Summer Leagues Focus of Probe

Bruins' Rush Blames Greed in Taking Money

One Rush Still Waiting to Play Again

Rush Hit with Lengthy Suspension

UCLA's JaRon Rush Issues Statement Regarding Suspension

Game-winner caps Rush's 19-point effort

From Today's Sports:

UCLA's Rush reinstated, eligible to play against Stanford

From Total College Sports:

UCLA to appeal NCAA's decision on Rush

UCLA's Rush apologizes for 'worries' over suspension

From the Los Angeles Times:

Rush Fears Season is Over

Rush faces longer wait for result of actions, NCAA to re-interview selected parties

UCLA women's forward faces up to six years on burglary charge

NCAA Ruling Hits Rush and Bruins Hard

Appeal Reinstates Rush

There Was No Rush to Judgment

From The Orange County Register:

UCLA Suspends Rush, Investigates Possible Infraction

From the U-Wire Today:

UCLA's Rush receives 44-game suspension from NCAA

From the Daily Bruin:

Lady Bruin faces arraignment

Rowdy Bruin fans lack class shown by true champions

Rush receives 44 game suspension from NCAA

Students Say Room Used by Athletes During Break

Rembert Pleads Innocent, Judge Sets Preliminary Hearing Date

Suspension Could Make Rush a Better Player

Rembert Granted Second Continuance

From the Kansas City Post:

Brother's Troubles Add to Rush's Woes

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