Oregon State Suspends Eric Moreland, Victor Robbins Indefinitely

Watching the Oregon State–Arizona State game last night, it didn’t look like much of a contest as the Sun Devils pulled away in the second half.  Jahii Carson (20 points and 4 assists), Carrick Felix (18 pts. and 14 rebounds) and Jonathan Gilling (14 pts.) were too much for the Beavers and now we may know why.

Head coach Craig Robinson suspended leading rebounder Eric Moreland (11.1 per game) and freshman Victor Robbins prior to Thursday’s game for violating team rules. Robinson told reporters after the game that this was the first time he’s had to issue a suspension during his tenure.

“You’ll ask me 15 different ways and I’ll give 15 different answers that it’s a violation of team rules, and that’s all I’ll say for now. I wish they weren’t, but life happens to these young guys,” Robinson said.

While Robbins is a freshman who’s played sparingly in nine games, Moreland’s absence was felt as the Beavers were outrebounded by 15. They gave up 23 to Felix and Jordan Bachynski and couldn’t protect the paint as Carson was attack the basket with ease.

The good, old explanation of violating team rules doesn’t offer much for commentary but with Moreland out, it’s going to hurt the Beavers right away. They face Arizona on Saturday and they’re going to struggle protecting the paint against a team hungry to recover from an upset. Looming next week is a date with UCLA.

According to Robinson, both Moreland and Robbins will be eligible to play soon but without knowing when, it’s could hurt the Beavers at least for one more game.

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