Pair of New Mexico Starters Suspended

New Mexico Lobo players Carlton Bragg Jr. and J.J. Caldwell have been suspended indefinitely the school announced Sunday morning, prior to the team’s 107-88 win over Houston Baptist. The Albuquerque Journal learned that the suspensions are not related to one another. The university released a statement following the announcement of the suspensions.

“Carlton Bragg and JJ Caldwell will not participate in today’s game versus Houston Baptist,” UNM released in an email prior to the game. “They are being withheld from competition and team activity until further notice. The athletic department has received information that requires further review. In the meantime, there will be no additional comments from anyone at UNM until that process is complete.”

Both Bragg and Caldwell were starters on the team. Bragg was averaging 13.5 points per game and 10.8 rebounds per game so far in the season. Caldwell was averaging 5.8 points per game and led the team, and the Mountain West, with 74 assists on the season.

After the game head coach Paul Weir was asked to comment on the suspensions. His response: “Honestly I will probably refer all questions to Eddie (Nunez),” Weir said. “Eddie is in charge of this right now. I’m the basketball coach I’m gonna coach the guys that I have and I’ll pretty much forward everything directly to him. And you guys know I’ve always been a very forthcoming, transparent person. If that moment presents itself, I have no problem commenting but at this very moment I am going to refuse to comment.”

Both Caldwell and Bragg had played in all 13 contests this season. The university has yet to announce exactly what the suspensions are for, and for how long each will be suspended. The Lobos sit at 12-2 overall and 2-0 in the Mountain West. They will take on UC-Davis next Sunday before returning to conference play on January 1^st when they travel to meet San Jose State.