Mississippi State junior forward Elgin Bailey (pictured) will transfer and and sophomore forward Renardo Sidney has fulfulled his suspension. The two were involved in a fistfight in the stands Dec. 23 in Hawaii.
“Elgin told me of his plans to transfer, and we wish him the best as he moves on,” MSU head coach Rick Stansbury said. “Elgin has had to deal with some very tough injuries, but he’s worked very hard to get to where he is now. Wherever he ends up, I hope he’s able to have a lot of success.
“As for this team, it’s time to move on and learn from these mistakes. Hopefully, by sending Sid and Elgin home following the incident, a strong message was sent that this type of behavior is unacceptable.”
Bailey, a native of New Orleans, appeared in 74 games during his career at Mississippi State and recorded 229 points and 161 rebounds to go along with his 44 blocked shots.
This season, he appeared in 12 games and drew 11 starts en route to averaging 5.8 points and 4.3 rebounds.
Sidney has seen action in two games and is averaging 15.5 points and 4.5 boards.
“I’m very embarrassed about what happened,” said Sidney, a native of Jackson, Miss. “I know how bad it looked on TV and the embarrassment it caused for everyone associated with Mississippi State. I’ve had a lot of time to think about it, and I will learn from this mistake, move forward and become a better man.”
The Bulldogs (8-6), who just concluded a 5-game, 11,701-mile road trip, play Saturday against Alabama in the SEC opener for both teams.
“We expect all of our student-athletes to represent themselves, our university, athletic program, fans and alumni in a first-class manner at all times,” MSU athletics director Scott Stricklin said. “Hopefully, the disciplinary action that was taken sends a strong message to these young men, and all of our student-athletes, that inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.”
(Release courtesy MSU AThletics)
kungpaochicken / January 3, 2011
Real classy Mississippi State – nobody will question his “decision” to transfer.
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RockChalkWoody / January 3, 2011
I’m wondering if Stansbury would’ve offered Sidney if he had it to do all over again? The kid just isn’t worth all of the headaches & I’m not sure he ever will be.
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BostonCat / January 5, 2011
its miss st, not michigan st. of course they would do it all over again. what is there to lose really. i dont think msu cares too much about image or reputation. if they did…sidney wouldnt be there in the first place.
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RockChalkWoody / January 5, 2011
BC, you’re probably right.
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BostonCat / January 5, 2011
although maybe using michigan st was a bad example. they did have the rape allegation before the season started with some guys. and kori lucious was picked up with a DUI. everything was swept under the rug.
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