Off-court problems will keep Savon Goodman from playing this year, UNLV coach says

By Taylor Bern

Published Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013 | 6:51 p.m.

Updated Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013 | 8:20 p.m.

UNLV sophomore Savon Goodman will not play this upcoming season, according to Rebels coach Dave Rice. Goodman has been implicated in a burglary case and is expected to be arraigned in court on Friday.

“We are aware of the situation and are gathering more information,” Rice told the Sun. “I will not have any specific comment until we know more. Having said that, regardless of the resolution, at the very least Savon Goodman will not play this season so he can focus on getting his priorities in order.”

A Las Vegas Township Justice Court document indicates that a warrant was issued for Goodman's arrest on Aug. 15. It lists conspiracy to commit burglary, a gross misdemeanor, and burglary and grand larceny, both felonies. The incident behind the charges is alleged to have occurred May 18. Goodman has not been convicted of any charges.

Rice added that Goodman has not been kicked off the team and that he is expected to start classes Monday.

"I want to help and support Savon through the process but that doesn’t mean that basketball has to be a part of the equation to do that," Rice said. "From a team standpoint there’s nothing more important than competing for championships, but on an individual basis sometimes there are things that need to be addressed that are more important than playing basketball."

As a true freshman Goodman appeared in 27 games, averaging 3.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. He could potentially redshirt this season.

On the court, Goodman’s spot at power forward will likely go to freshman Jamal Aytes, who committed to the Rebels on Monday. It’s unclear if the coaching staff knew of its decision to sit Goodman for the entire season because of the accusations at the time of Aytes' commitment.

Taylor Bern can be reached at 948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Taylor on Twitter at twitter.com/taylorbern.