OSU Forward Is Syl-spended For A Game

Ohio State has issued a release that says junior forward Matt Sylvester will be suspended for the team's game at Minnesota Sunday.

Sylvester's suspension stems from unsportsmanlike behavior during the Buckeyes' game at Michigan State last week.

Here's the official release from Ohio State, issued Friday morning:

"The Ohio State University and head men's basketball coach Thad Matta have suspended junior forward Matt Sylvester for unsportslike behavior toward a fan following Ohio State's road loss at Michigan State last week.

"Sylvester will miss one game, Ohio State's road contest at Minnesota Saturday. He has written a letter of apology to the fan and has been reprimanded by the Big Ten Conference.

"The Ohio State University considers this matter concluded and will have no further comment. "

But the Big Ten does ...

"The Big Ten Conference office announced today that it concurs with the suspension of Ohio State University men's basketball student-athlete Matt Sylvester for his actions following the Michigan State game on February 9, 2005. Additionally, the Conference reprimands Sylvester for this violation of the Big Ten Sportslike Conduct Agreement.

"Ohio State University head men's basketball coach Thad Matta suspended Sylvester for one game for unsportslike behavior toward a fan. Sylvester will miss Ohio State's road contest at Minnesota on Saturday and has written a letter of apology to the fan.

" 'Matt Sylvester's actions towards a fan at Michigan State are unacceptable and have no place in the sport of basketball or the Big Ten Conference," Commissioner James E. Delany said. "We support the written letter of apology and Ohio State's implementation of a one-game suspension.'

"The Big Ten Conference considers this matter concluded and will have no further comment."