Baylor's Brittney Griner will miss the Bears' final regular-season game on Sunday as well as the team's first game in the Big 12 tournament as punishment for punching an opposing player Wednesday night.Earlier Thursday, the Big 12 handed down a one-game suspension pending further investigation of the incident, which has received national play, but Baylor stretched it to two games in a statement issued Thursday evening. Conference officials say they are willing to abide by the school's disciplinary action.
The conference is also issuing a public reprimand to both programs for the players who left the bench during the altercation.
Griner received a technical foul and was ejected after she and Texas Tech forward Jordan Barncastle became entangled underneath the basket. Barncastle, who appeared to fling Griner intentionally as the two locked arms, was whistled for a foul on the physical exchange. Griner charged and punched her in the face and was thrown out of the game after a 10-minute review of the play by the officials.
Barncastle reportedly has suffered a nasal fracture and her playing status is day-to-day.
Baylor coach Kim Mulkey said in a statement Thursday that she is "disappointed" in Griner's actions. But Mulkey said the incident should not define the 6-foot-8 freshman from Houston "either as a person or a player."
"Anyone who has been around her knows that she's a great kid," Mulkey said in her statement. "Her actions last night were very uncharacteristic of her. Unfortunately, she let her emotions get the best of her, and that can't happen. Brittney is a special young lady, she is great for our game, and I believe she will learn from this mistake and will become a better person moving forward."
Griner apologized in a statement.
"I'd like to apologize to Jordan for my actions during last night's game," Griner said. "I also owe an apology to the Lady Raider team, my teammates and coaches, the fans and the game of women's basketball. I let my emotions get the best of me and I am deeply sorry for my actions. I am committed to doing a better job of maintaining my composure in the future. I will grow from this and I am dedicated to setting an example to others of how to learn from personal mistakes."
The Bears have won five in a row. But Baylor's next opponent is No. 18 Texas and Griner's absence -- she is the team's leading scorer, rebounder and shot-blocker -- could affect the Bears' ability to secure a first-round bye in the tournament.
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