White Pleads Guilty

Freshman Gopher basketball player Royce White pleaded guilty in a Hennepin County courtroom Wednesday to two charges stemming form an incident at the Mall of America in October. White admitted to stealing $100 in merchandise from Macy's and for getting into an altercation with a security guard who stopped him later. By pleading guilty to the burglary and disorderly conduct charges, White avoided jail time (the judge stayed the sentencing) and his record will be wiped clean if he stays clear for one year. The judge also ordered White to stay away from the MoA for one year.

White is also being investigated for possible implication in an on-campus theft of a laptop a few weeks after the Macy's incident. Although he maintains his innocence, the investigation continues. Coach Tubby Smith suspended White indefinitely after the MoA charges came to light.

The U says White's status will be evaluated after the team returns from Florida, but don't look for White in a Gopher uniform anytime soon. He has been barred from practicing with the team once his suspension took hold and the university will not reinstate him until the laptop situation clears.

One thing is certain, however. The team could have definitely used White's inside presence during its current three-game losing streak.
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Here is the best comment of the morning from the Star Tribune's website about last night's loss to Miami:

"Based on how the Big Ten teams looked in the ACC Challenge, I think an NIT bid might be a stretch for this team."

Relax, Gopher Nation!