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UMKC guard Martez Harrison has been dismissed from the program, according to a release sent out by the school Monday night.
“Martez failed to meet the expectations we have for student-athletes in our program,” Richardson said in the release. “When those standards aren’t met, there are consequences. His conduct fell far short of what we expect from those who represent our men’s basketball program and university. After gathering more facts from Title IX office officials during his suspension, and further discussions with athletics department personnel, the decision was made to permanently remove him from our program.”
Harrison had missed the team’s last five games after being suspended indefinitely for what was termed a “violation of athletic department policy.” The Roos went 3-2 in that span, with losses at South Dakota State and Kansas.
Richardson had been silent on Harrison’s situation, saying that there was “no timeline” for his return following a win over South Dakota on Nov. 30.
Harrison, a Kansas City native, leaves behind an interesting legacy. He signed with UMKC despite offers from Southern Illinois and St. Bonaventure, and followed up a strong freshman season by winning WAC POY in 2014-15. His senior year was off to a good start through six games, as he was posting the best shooting figures of his career.
He hit a game-winning shot to beat Bowling Green in what turned out to be the highlight of his brief season.
Martez Harrison hits game-winner for UMKC in victory over Bowling Green https://t.co/Ao5l9oKtZu
— The Kansas City Star (@KCStar) November 20, 2016
He leaves as the program’s all-time leader in assists (393), and is fourth all-time in scoring (1,654 points) and third all-time in steals (164). Notably, he led UMKC to wins over Missouri (2014-15) and Mississippi State (2015-16).
The Roos’ backcourt is not decimated, as LaVell Boyd is one of the WAC’s better guards and freshman Isaiah Ross has shown impact player potential. But losing Harrison is a clear blow to a program trying to leap forward in Richardson’s fourth year.
UMKC “officially” begins the post-Harrison era at home against Nebraska Omaha on Dec. 15.