Report: St. John's center Chris Obekpa suspended for failed drug test
St. John's center Chris Obekpa's two-week suspension was for a failed marijuana test, reports Roger Rubin of the New York Daily News.
The school announced Obekpa's suspension Sunday, just hours before the Red Storm learned their NCAA tournament fate.
St. John's, who finished 21-11 overall, and 10-8 in the Big East, made the tournament as a No. 9 seed in the South Region. They will play No. 8 seed San Diego State on Friday in Charlotte, N.C.
If St. John's advances in the tournament, Obekpa would not be able to play until March 29.
• NCAA tournament scouting: Midwest | West | East | South
"All of the young men associated with our program are held to standards consistent with the aims and mission of our University. Accountability is tied to the decision making of our student-athletes. It is our hope Chris will learn from this experience," St. John's head coach Steve Lavin said.
The junior started 24 games and averaged 5.8 points and seven rebounds per game this season. Obekpa led the Big East in blocked shots and holds the St. John's record for career blocks.
- Scooby Axson
