Tom Crean and the recently suspended Devan Dumes met with the media Monday before flying to Minnesota for Tuesday's game against the Gophers.
Dumes reiterated his apology, and insisted that he never meant to injure the opposition.
"I never mean to hurt anyone if I'm swinging an elbow or anything," Dumes said. "It's just the nature of the game, sometimes people say it's not a physical sport but it really is."
Crean said that accountability is key for the program, which is why he thought it so important for Dumes to face the media. Crean did however come to the defense of his player throughout the interview, giving Dumes credit for answering questions, while adding in the grand scheme of things this is just a basketball issue.
"It is not a social issue it is not a flunked drug test it is not a grade issue it is not an irresponsibility issue outside of the program," Crean said. "It's a basketball issue."
When Dumes went down with his ankle injury against Illinois last month, Dollinger noted how sad and depressed Dumes looked while watching his teammates get thumped by Illinois. I'm not sure if they showed him much on T.V., but he did look miserable. It'll be interesting to see his demeanor tomorrow night on the bench, but it was clear from the Illini game that not being on the court is a real punishment for Dumes - he loves being out there.
It was also interesting to hear Crean's comments, especially him noting this is just a basketball issue and not something more. (A clear reminder to everyone about what the program was dealing with at this point last year perhaps?)
All in all, Crean wouldn't answer how long the suspension would last, only saying that it would be internal.
So basketbloggers, basketbloggettes: Have any thoughts on Dumes's response? Anything on Crean? Anyone think the team has any shot to take down the Golden Gophers without its leading scorer on the floor?
