Aaron Brooks Won't Be Playing Against Washington

Aaron Brooks' elbow got him in some trouble last year and because of it, he won't be playing this this Thursday when Oregon visits Washington in Seattle.

If you recall all the way back to last year's Pac-10 Tournament, Brooks and UW's Ryan Appleby got in a little incidental scuffle. Then, as retaliation for the incidental contact, Brooks fragrantly elbowed Appleby, bloodying his face and requiring six stitches. Part of Brooks' punishment is sitting out the game Thursday. Brooks, from Seattle, will watch from an undisclosed spot in the city with family.

The senior point guard, who's grown up greatly both on and off the court since last year, was incredibly apologetic for his actions and regrets what he did. Though this now has to be seen as a big break for the Huskies. Brooks, your early leader for Pac-10 Player of the Year, won't be on the court while the Dawgs greatly search for a win. Every game at this point becomes a must-win for Washington.

Some see Brooks missing this game as more of a good thing for him than as a punishment. The Dawg Pack would likely be especially tough on Brooks and there'd be a chance that somebody would cross the line. Some think that Brooks should be held out of the the Feb. 24 game too when U-Dub travels to Eugene.

Well, that's neither here nor there. Brooks will be out Thursday and that's that. How Oregon will respond without its leader will be interesting. How Washington will try to capitalize on Brooks' absence will also be interesting. Seems like it will be an interesting game.