Coach Todd Lickliter would not specify Monday how long Bohall will not be with the team beyond saying he would not play in Wednesday’s game at Northern Iowa. Bohall did not practice Monday.
“I seldom if ever discuss personal issues publicly, but in my time at the University of Iowa I have been impressed with the way in which they approach student welfare,’’ Lickliter said. “We’re following all policies and procedures. We’ll take the necessary steps to assist in the well-being of the individual.’’
Bohall, a starter in the Hawkeyes’ first seven games this season, was charged by University of Iowa Police who responded to a call at the Hillcrest Residence Hall on campus at 5:09 a.m. on Sunday.
According to the incident report, Bohall was found sleeping in a locked stall in a restroom in the dormitory. Once he was awoken, he allegedly displayed poor balance, slurred speech and smelled of alcohol. The report indicated that Bohall recorded a .164 on his preliminary blood-alcohol test and a .150 on his post-arrest test.
In Iowa, public intoxication is a simple misdemeanor which can carry penalties of up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
The 21-year-old sophomore from Sioux City, Iowa, declined the opportunity to comment on Monday. He has averaged 4.9 points and 19.8 minutes this season for Iowa. A former walk-on, he was placed on scholarship prior to the current school year.
Bohall’s absence impacts a Hawkeyes backcourt that has been shorthanded throughout the season because of a broken foot which has kept Tony Freeman out of the lineup so far this season.
“We still simply ask a little more among the people we do have,’’ Lickliter said. “We have no choice and hopefully, they will be able to help us fight through some adversity.’’
Freeman participated in a walk-through with the team prior to Saturday’s game against Eastern Illinois and did practice on Monday. He is not expected to play Wednesday as he continues to work his way back from the injury he suffered during a Nov. 1 exhibition game.
“We’ve been pretty thin in the backcourt all year, but we’ll just have to be ready to play more minutes,’’ freshman Jake Kelly said. “We need to take care of the ball and not let the game get too wild or out of control.’’
With nine players likely to suit up on Wednesday, senior Seth Gorney said depth is a concern. He also said Lickliter has been proactive in addressing off-court behavior with his team.
“He wants us to be at our best on and off the court,’’ Gorney said. “It’s something coach talks about a lot. We have a responsibility to our teammates, our school and ourselves.’’
Steve Batterson can be contacted at (563) 383-2290 or sbatterson@qctimes.com.
Comments
Hawk Fan wrote on Dec 7, 2007 3:32 PM:
" Athlete, I didn't mean to generalize all of the scholarship athletes. The point I was trying to make is that I am tired of seeing these athletes that are basically getting a free education, embarrassing their teammates, the University and the fans. As a season ticket holder, I invest money into these programs and the last thing I want to read about in the paper is these athletes breaking the law. You are right that binge drinking is a problem on college campuses. But these scholarship athletes are held to a higher standard. "
athlete wrote on Dec 7, 2007 1:49 PM:
" To continue my previous comment...
It is highly unlikely that he was drinking until 5 in the morning. It is more likely, that he was in the process of "sleeping it off" when he was discovered. Even though it is an embarrassing and sad situation. I don't think it is fair it to single him out and then generalize it to every scholarship (or non-scholarship) athlete. Binge drinking is a problem, and it's unfortunate that athletes may be more prone to this behavior because of their athletic and academic responsibilities. Just because it was an student-athlete that was discovered and not a student, does not mean it was any more or less wrong/embarrassing/whatever. "
athlete wrote on Dec 7, 2007 1:43 PM:
" It looks like I'm a little late for this discussion, but I'll contribute anyway. Being a scholarship athlete, I will say this. Unlike the majority of college students, athletes do not drink/party "all night". In fact, a lot of college students do not drink all or every night they can. Athletes, though, have fewer opportunities to party due to early morning practices, competitions, etc. So, in my experience, when athletes do get a chance to drink, they binge. I am thankful that I do not do this, but I have many, many friend who do will go out, drink ridiculous amounts and somehow stumble home.
I would guess that this athlete went out Saturday night, returned to the dorm very very early in the morning, and at some point in time went to the bathroom where he fell asleep. "
QC'er in IC wrote on Dec 5, 2007 9:10 PM:
" Why woudl u call the cops?! That's BS if he lives in the dorms then I'd be like one of us passing out in our bathroom. I know not something he should've done, but comon to RA could've just woke him up and sent him to his bed to pass out....talk about BS "
QC Hawk Fan wrote on Dec 4, 2007 9:29 PM:
" Ok guys public intox I know that you are all playing sports and big guys but how do you get caught for that....I went to Iowa and really couldn't get a public intox if I tried....quit being dumb about it. "
Hawk Fan wrote on Dec 4, 2007 10:55 AM:
" What is this scholarship basketball player doing being drunk at 5:09 a.m. in the morning? He is in season and should be keeping his nose clean. Instead of drinking all night, he needs to be working on his basketball skills. I am tired of these scholarship athletes that are getting a free ride doing whatever they want and embarrassing the U of I and it's fans. "
