Siena's Clareth suspended by team for three games

PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Kelly

Siena guard Nico Clareth, shown here at a practice last month next to coach Jimmy Patsos, has been suspended for three games by the team.

The Siena College men’s basketball program announced before tonight’s game against Kansas that sophomore guard Nico Clareth had been suspended for three games.

“Clareth’s suspension stems from a violation of Siena Athletic Department rules,” read a release from Siena. “Clareth will also continue to receive treatment and rehab his knee while he sits out.”

The released provided no further information about the rules Clareth had violated. The guard did not make the trip to Kansas.

Clareth, who had offseason surgery on his right knee, had iced that knee during Thursday’s practice before the Saints headed to Kansas. Later that night, he tweeted: “I got 10 days to get back right. Nothing else matters. 100%.”

Clareth, who averaged 13.1 points per game last season, scored a total of 28 points in the Saints’ first two games of the season.

As Clareth’s suspension started Wednesday, the three-game suspension of senior forward Lavon Long wrapped up. Long was also suspended for an undisclosed violation of athletic department rules, and is eligible to return Sunday against UNC-Asheville.

With a three-game suspension, Clareth’s first game back would be Nov. 27 against University at Albany at SEFCU Arena.