Nunn Dismissed From Illini Basketball Team

Junior guard Kendrick Nunn has been dismissed from the Illini men's basketball team, just days after pleading guilty in Champaign County Circuit Court to a misdemeanor battery charge.  He was sentenced to probation.  Illinois Athletic Director Josh Whitman and basketball coach John Groce issued a joint statement Tuesday, announcing the move.

"We have not reached this decision easily; we care deeply about Kendrick and want him to be successful," the statement read.  "But after extensive deliberation, we think it best for our program to reaffirm our core values of trust and respect, to send a strong message about what is acceptable behavior for our student-athletes at the University of Illinois, and to part ways with Kendrick."

The 20-year old Nunn was initially charged with two counts of domestic battery after being accused in March of striking a woman during a domestic dispute.  Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz said he was sentenced to 18 months of unsupervised probation and 100 hours of community service. If he completes those terms, the misdemeanor will be removed from his record.

"As it is on college campuses across the country, relationship violence is of significant concern at our University, and we expect Fighting Illini student-athletes to be leaders in promoting healthy, respectful, caring relationships," the statement read.  "We wish Kendrick all the best as he prepares for the next chapter of his life.”

Last week, Illini Jaylon Tate was reinstated to the basketball team after misdemeanor battery charges against him were dropped.  Leron Black was placed on probation in April after pleading guilty to misdemeanor aggravated assault.