Sources close to the Monmouth University athletic department said the family of Travis Taylor is going to start the appeals process for his total unconditional release and that the family is “livid that the school is denying him his total unconditional release.”
Taylor, a 6-foot-7 sophomore from Union, N.J. who averaged 17.8 points and 7.6 rebounds last season, requested his release in late May and was ultimately told by Dr. Marilyn McNeil, the school’s AD, that he would get a conditional release that would prevent him from going to any school on Monmouth’s schedule next season.
“It is true that we said we would not give permission to give contact to any school that is on the schedule,” McNeil said Friday in a phone interview.
Asked if the Taylor family had obtained a copy of the schedule, she added: “I believe it [the schedule] was emailed” to the family.
Yet sources indicated the family has not obtained the schedule and does not know which programs are on it.
McNeil said she had heard from “several” schools that were not on next year’s schedule who are interested in Taylor.
“There’s been several,” she said. “So far only schools not on the schedule.”
Taylor has not answered several calls to his cell phone.
He was suspended for seven games last season for “violating team rules” and the team went 2-5 during that span.
When the school announced Taylor’s transfer May 28, head coach Dave Calloway made the unusual move of saying he was “disappointed.”
“We are truly disappointed in Travis’ decision to leave Monmouth,” said Calloway. “His teammates stood by him this past season and were counting on him this upcoming year. We wish Travis the best and truly hope he finds what he is looking for.”
PICKETT TO PURSUE PRO CAREER
Rico Pickett, a 6-4 guard from Manhattan College, will pursue a career overseas after averaging 17.7 ppg last season in the MAAC.
“I would like to thank everyone who helped me along the way at Manhattan College,” said Pickett, an Alabama native. “I spent one year at Manhattan, but I will always consider myself a member of the Jasper family. I would especially like to thank Coach Barry Rohrssen for his support and guidance. He will always be an extended family member to my family and me.”
FREE THROWS
Former Duke and St. Benedict’s standout Lance Thomas worked out Friday for the Nets.
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