NMSU’s Robert Carpenter suspended indefinitely for conduct during game against Liberty

Update: New Mexico State Athletics has indefinitely suspended Carpenter for his conduct during the game against Liberty.

The university issued the following statement.

"Following careful consideration of the events that transpired last night, New Mexico State Athletics has made the decision to indefinitely suspend Robert Carpenter from all team activities effective immediately.
 
Per the NCAA's rules of conduct, any player involved in an altercation during competition is required to serve a one-game suspension, however, we feel it is important to emphasize that the Aggie men's basketball program places the utmost priority on the values of sportsmanship and respect and feel that an indefinite suspension is necessary.
 
His actions do not align with the standards we uphold at New Mexico State, and we believe it is important to ensure that any actions contrary to our principles will not be tolerated.
 
We will continue to work closely with our coaching staff, players, and support personnel to reinforce the importance of responsible conduct both on and off the court. We remain committed to creating an environment where our student-athletes can thrive academically and personally.
 
We appreciate the continued support of the men's basketball program and the athletics department. We remain focused on the future and the positive contributions our student-athletes bring to our institution."

NMS Athletics

Head Coach Jason Hooten also issued a statement on Carpenter.

"I want to reiterate my sincere apologies to Liberty University and Coach McKay for the actions of Robert last night. Throughout my 14-year career as a head coach, I have consistently upheld a high standard of conduct, and something like this has never taken place within my programs nor is this acceptable.
 
Robert is a good kid. Unfortunately, he showed some poor judgement during the game and made a mistake. I believe he is a high-character guy as are all the guys that we bring into this program. Last night, Robert had the opportunity to meet with the Liberty student-athlete involved in the incident, offering a face-to-face apology. Robert has also since apologized to his teammates and the community for his actions.
 
We will continue to support Robert academically and we will revisit the extent of the suspension in the near future."

Head Coach Jason Hooten

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- The New Mexico State Aggies are back in the win column after defeating Liberty, 79-73 Thursday night at the Pan American Center.

The game would have to be settled in overtime after both teams were tied at 69 at the end of regulation.

NMSU's Christian Cook led the way in scoring for the Aggies with 27 points.

Liberty was led by Zach Cleveland, who finished with 23 points.

During the first half of the game, NMSU's Robert Carpenter was ejected for throwing a punch striking Liberty's Shiloh Robinson in the face.

NMSU head coach Jason Hooten apologized for the incident during his postgame news conference.

The Aggies improved their overall record to 10-12, 4-3 in Conference USA.

NMSU will next host Jacksonville State Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Pan American Center.