A decision on the length of Washington State star Klay Thompson’s suspension still hasn’t been made, but head coach Ken Bone will announce his status for the upcoming Pac-10 Tournament within the next 24 hours. Thompson was suspended indefinitely following a marijuana arrest last Thursday, missing the Cougars’ regular season finale, a four-point, overtime loss to the UCLA Bruins on Saturday.
Thompson was on the bench for the Cougars’ loss to UCLA, which saw Washington State play two walk-ons and a patchwork lineup because of his, and point guard Reggie Moore’s, absence. Before the game, Thompson, who shies away from public speaking, took the microphone at Beasley Coliseum and apologized to the fans while saying it wouldn’t happen again. Bone said Thompson’s apology was a step in the right direction, but no firm decision on the suspension had been made as of Monday morning.
Looking at other incidents this season, including Moore’s arrest and subsequent suspension for a marijuana-related citation, it’s likely Thompson’s suspension is lifted, allowing him to play in the Pac-10 Tournament. Moore spent one-game on the bench earlier in the season after a search of his door room turned up marijuana paraphernalia and a small amount of the substance on his side of the room. He returned to play the next week after sitting out a Saturday game in California.
The Cougars battle the Washington Huskies for the third time this season to open the Pac-10 Tournament on Thursday at Staple Center in Los Angeles. To connect with Washington State fans, check out SB Nation’s CougCenter. For more on Thompson’s arrest and suspension, check out the rest of our StoryStream.