Robert Carpenter, a New Mexico State men’s basketball player, will miss at least one match after being ejected for punching Shiloh Robertson in the face during Thursday night’s overtime win over Liberty.
Carpenter and Robinson were tangled under the net as Carpenter was looking for a bounce in the early part of the first half.
Carpenter appeared to strike Robinson in the face as Robinson turned to go down the court.
Jason Hooten, New Mexico State’s men’s basketball head coach, said in his postgame news conference: “I want to apologize first and foremost to Liberty University Coach (Ritchie McKay) for the incident.” “Even though there may have been something that caused Rob to act in this manner, it is still unacceptable.”
New Mexico State player Robert Carpenter lands a right hook on Liberty’s Shiloh Robinson.
Carpenter was ejected, and should face suspension. pic.twitter.com/3XgsxGfc2Q
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) February 2, 2024
Carpenter, a transfer from Mississippi Valley State who is now in his first year with the program, was ejected for committing a flagrant offense 2. ESPN reports that Robinson did not return.
New Mexico State University will not do that. I believe that everyone knows me. In my 31 years of coaching and 14 as head coach, I believe that everyone knows what type of person I am,” Hooten said.
“I am very proud of who I am, and our program would never do such things.”
Hooten believes Carpenter will be banned for at least one match, but could spend more time in the stands if Conference USA finds it necessary to review the incident.
He said that he believes that in every league he has been a part of, a suspension is usually given for fighting. Then, I think Conference USA would watch some videos and decide if the suspension should be extended.
Hooten is aware that Carpenter will not play in the home game on Saturday against Jacksonville State.
“My rule is he will not play on Saturday.” “He should at least sit out on Saturday, and we will determine the consequences as we go forward,” he said.
Carpenter, a junior, is in his first year with the Aggies. He played at Mississippi Valley State between 2021 and 2022 where he was the top scorer for his team, averaging 16,4 points. Carpenter played for a year at St. Bonaventure.
Hooten stated, “I am very familiar with Robert — he is a good, good, good kid and a good, good person.” “I’m still shocked by what happened but I also know that he’s the most remorseful person in this situation. I know that he is very sorry for what he has done. There’s no place for this in any game. I also feel bad for being the coach.”
