SMITH: MAGLOIRE WILL BE DISCIPLINED

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) Expressing concern about his program's image, Kentucky
coach Tubby Smith said Wednesday he will discipline center Jamaal Magloire
for riding in a vehicle with two men who were arrested on drug possession
charges.

Smith issued a written statement that sharply criticized Magloire and, by
implication, the other Kentucky players who have had brushes with the law
since the team won its seventh national title in March. He did not specify
how he would punish Magloire or any other players.

"We're very disappointed in Jamaal Magloire's judgment last Sunday," Smith said.

"Time and again, we warn our players to stay away from individuals including
boosters, agents and others who could have negative influences on their
lives and or reputations," the coach said.

"Because Jamaal did not heed this warning, he will endure strong
disciplinary action."

Magloire was one of three people riding in a white Jeep in Louisville when
it was pulled over Sunday night by Jefferson County police. Magloire's
companions both were arrested, one on a charge of marijuana possession, the
other on a charge of heroin possession.

Magloire, a 20-year-old center from Toronto, went free when officers who
searched him found no drugs.

He was the latest Kentucky player to have dealings with the law. Since the
season ended, guard Ryan Hogan pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated
and forward Myron Anthony admitted leaving the scene of a September
hit-and-run accident.

The hit-and-run case was particularly bizarre, since teammate Wayne Turner
had earlier pleaded guilty to the charge. Turner was cleared of his
conviction, but there has been no clear explanation of why he at first took
responsibility for the accident.

Though Smith traditionally keeps matters of team discipline matters behind
closed doors, he criticized Magloire, saying the junior-to-be should "never
have put himself in a situation that would damage his reputation, damage the
image of the Kentucky basketball program and threaten his future as a
Kentucky Wildcat."

Magloire is expected to start at center next season for Kentucky, following
the departure of Nazr Mohammed for the NBA. He has been unavailable for comment.

Checked-by: Melodi Cornett