Seton Hall announced Tuesday it has suspended junior Sterling Gibbs two games for hitting Villanova guard Ryan Arcidiacono in the head during the second half of the team’s game at Villanova Monday night.
Gibbs, who apologized Monday night for the incident, will be inactive for the team’s Feb. 21 game at St. John’s and the Feb. 28 home game vs. Creighton.
“Sterling demonstrated poor sportsmanship last night, and he recognizes that what he did was wrong and that he must be held accountable for his actions,” Seton Hall head coach Kevin Willard said. “This was out of Sterling’s character, and I believe this incident does not define the type of person he is or will become. Sterling will learn and grow from this unfortunate event.”
Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman issued the following statement: “We support Seton Hall’s decision to suspend Sterling Gibbs for his actions in the Villanova game. Unsportsmanlike acts like the one that occurred last night have no place in the Big East or college sports.”
A source close to Gibbs also told SNY.tv that he isn’t planning on leaving after the season via a graduate transfer waiver.
“He plans on [staying],” the source said.
Amid widespread reports and rumors of a divided locker room following the transfer of sophomore guard Jaren Sina, many observers have also pointed to tension between Gibbs and freshman guard Isaiah Whitehead, but the source said the two get along.
“They’re actually good,” the source said. “Most rumors weren’t true about them. They definitely support each other.”
Seton Hall has lost eight of 10 heading into Saturday’s game at St. John’s, with some media now pointing the finger at head coach Kevin Willard and arguing he has lost control of his team.
“There’s no chaos outside the program. The only chaos is you guys,” Willard told reporters after Monday’s loss.
Willard did not immediately respond to a text message seeking comment on Tuesday.
