Thomas to Miss SEC Showdown: Preseason SEC West favorite Arkansas will host Mississippi State, which is undefeated in conference play, without senior forward Charles Thomas. Coach John Pelphrey suspended Thomas for violating team rules. Thomas averages 10.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game for the Razorbacks who are 3-2 in the SEC, two games behind the 5-0 Bulldogs. Pelphrey did not comment on the catalyst for Thomas’ suspension, but he added that he might decide to sit Thomas longer than Wednesday’s game.
Update: Arkansas reinstated Thomas Thursday. He will be available for the Razorbacks’ showdown Saturday against Florida. Arkansas survived Thomas’ absence against Mississippi State, beating the Bulldogs 78-58 Wednesday. [1/31/08]
