Reaction swift to UD star's suspension

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - News that one of the University of Dayton's star basketball players was banned from the court this season has fans and students talking.

The university announced Wednesday that senior Matt Kavanaugh violated the UD Standards of Behavior and Code of Conduct.

Kavanaugh is suspended for the remainder of the academic year and therefore is no longer eligible to play basketball.

Details of the violation were not released, but fellow Flyers and supporters are disheartened by the situation.

News of his removal swept through UD's campus.

"I was shocked, shocked to be honest," said Chris Duggan, student. "I'm not personally close to him, but I do know him and I see him out and about. It's hard. It's hard to stomach and he's a big part of the team here. He is the big man in the middle and you need him down there, but you have a lot of other talented guys and I have faith in them."

Director of Athletics, Tim Warbler, had this to say, "This is quite a jolt to the program and obviously what we need to focus on are the student athletes who are left in the program and the coaches and let them know we are in full support."

Due to privacy requirements .. officials are not able to say how Kavanaugh violated the university's code.

But some students tell us they do know why, and believe the punishment is warranted.

"I 100% agree if not for a year, for the rest of his time in college that he should not be able to play," said Jackie Hearns, UD student.