Jumping ship

Wooden Award candidate says he's leaving Baylor

DALLAS (AP) -- Lawrence Roberts, Baylor's leading scorer and rebounder last season, said Monday that he is transferring to Mississippi State.

Roberts, a junior forward, became the first returning player to leave following the school's self-imposed probation over major NCAA violations uncovered during the investigation of the disappearance and death of player Patrick Dennehy.

Roberts told The Associated Press that he signed a letter of intent with the Bulldogs and faxed it to the school. He visited the Starkville, Miss., campus over the weekend and said he hoped to register for classes this week.

"It's tough to go through this ... to have trust in the coaching staff and build a foundation and then leave because of an incident that you have no part to do with," Roberts said by cell phone from Houston, where he lives. "I've kind of just moved ahead."

The university launched an internal inquiry in July into possible NCAA violations, after allegations surfaced of improper payments to players following Dennehy's disappearance.

Coach Dave Bliss and athletic director Tom Stanton resigned Aug. 8, the day the school placed itself on two-year probation. As part of its self-imposed punishment, the school will not participate in any postseason tournaments next season, including the Big 12 tournament, and offered to release all players from their scholarships, allowing them to transfer to other schools.

The school's investigation is continuing, and all findings are being forwarded to the NCAA.

Roberts said he hadn't spoken to Bliss and is ready to move on. "It's a load off," Roberts said.

Baylor has requested the NCAA waive the transfer rule that would require players leaving the program to set out a year before playing at another school. Roberts said he wasn't sure if he would be able to play this season, but was willing to sit out a season if necessary.

If he is able to play, he is expected to step right into the starting lineup.

Incoming freshman Tyrone Nelson, a center, requested his release from Baylor and is now going to Prairie View.

Roberts averaged 15.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per game last season.

 

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