Illinois suspends Darius Paul indefinitely

Paul was subsequently suspended for the entire 2014-15 season, and chose to transfer to JUCO college Lamar State-Port Arthur, where he played out the season before returning to the Illini.

Coach John Groce (grohs) said Saturday Paul is suspended “indefinitely” for violating team rules.

According to Bret Behrens of WCIA-TV (Champaign, Il.), Darius Paul of the Illinois men’s basketball team was arrested Friday morning in Deauville, France.

He was arrested and charged with vandalism, public intoxication, and resisting arrest while the team was on its exhibition tour, during which Paul did not play as he recovers from a torn labrum.

Quoting Deauville, France police superintendent Madam Pons, Paul was “very, very drunk” when approached by the police.

Darius Paul has again been suspended by John Groce, and the junior forward’s status with the team will be “evaluated”.

Paul had just rejoined the Illini after a year-long suspension following an arrest for underage drinking and resisting an officer.

The Illini were expected to boast the strongest front-court depth the team has had in years; that could be in jeopardy because of Paul’s actions. “We have specific standards of behavior for every member of our team and when those expectations are not met, there are consequences”. He averaged 17.1 points and 9.1 rebounds at Lamar State.

Illinois returns to Champaign on Tuesday.

After graduating from Warren, Paul had a big freshman season at Western Michigan where he was named Mid-American Conference Player of the Year.

While sitting out that season because of NCAA transfer rules, Paul found himself in trouble.

He then transferred back to Illinois where Groce had said he felt Paul was on the right path in his personal life.