Rashad Madden Suspended From Arkansas' Exhibition Games and Season Opener

Putting a damper on what has been a decent level of excitement going into the start of Razorback basketball, junior guard Rashad Madden is suspended for both of the season's exhibition games and next week's opener against SIU-Edwardsville for an unspecified violation of team rules.

From Mike Anderson:

Holding our student-athletes accountable on and off the court is a big part of my philosophy as a coach, and also in helping them grow up to be men," said Anderson. "Rashad will be suspended for our two exhibition games and the season opener. I’m certainly disappointed in Rashad, but he understands that he’s not only letting himself down, but he’s also letting his teammates down because we are all one family.

After showing signs of improving as a player at the end of last season, fans and coaches have been hoping Madden will begin to establish himself as the player many expected after he was given a 5* rating out of high school. His absence in the first games are surely going to disappoint fans looking forward to seeing him play a significant role on the team.

This isn't the first time Madden has been suspended for a violation of team rules. He also missed the South Carolina game last season, in which Arkansas was easily defeated by 21 points.

Of course, this could easily be a non-issue moving forward. BJ Young was suspended for last season's opener, but still led the team in scoring. However, this isn't the best sign for a team that had been selling itself as one with improved chemistry and leadership.

Madden will presumably make his season debut on November 15th against Louisiana-Lafayette.