UNC Basketball: Leslie McDonald Suspended For Three Games

North Carolina’s junior guard, Leslie McDonald is no longer hurt, but he won’t be on the court in uniform just yet.The team announced that McDonald has been suspended for the Tar Heels’ next three games including tonight’s game against Georgia Tech.

Feb, 29, 2012; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guards Reggie Bullock (35) and Leslie McDonald (2) react toward the end of the second half. The Tar Heels defeated the Terrapins 88-64 at the Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The reason behind his suspension has not been confirmed, but Coach Roy Williams did make a statement about it. However the details were not released or mentioned by Williams or McDonald himself.

Both Williams and McDonald stated that McDonald “did not do what [UNC] expect of our student-athletes.”

More than likely that is the statement being given because McDonald has/is having academic issues.

McDonald has already been absent for the previous three games which included a loss and two wins. McDonald is also a fan favorite as he kicks off every game with a dance to “Jump Around” to get the crowded ready for tip off. A tradition that some noted, he did not participate in tonight.

McDonald also missed all of last season via a knee injury that kept him on the bench. Coach Williams then placed him on the red shirt list.

He will return to the court on February 2nd against Virginia Tech, however had it not been for this suspension, he had been medically cleared to play tonight.