Cincinnati dismisses Octavius Ellis

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CINCINNATI -- Freshman forward Octavius Ellis was dismissed from Cincinnati's basketball team on Friday because of an incident at a downtown nightclub the previous weekend.

The university said it is punishing Ellis even though no charges will be filed by police. A bouncer said he intervened in a confrontation between a Cincinnati basketball player and another patron at the bar and got hit.

Police investigated the bouncer's complaint. When it learned of the incident, the university also investigated.

Ellis will complete the spring quarter at Cincinnati, but won't be allowed to have any contact with the team.

"Octavius didn't adhere to the standard of conduct I expect from members of our team," coach Mick Cronin said. "I will work to help him find a fresh start at a new program because I do care very much for him as a person. I believe he can benefit from being in a new environment. That's likely what will help him the best to learn and mature from this."

Ellis played in three games last season, when the Bearcats reached the round of 16 in the NCAA tournament. He was one of four Bearcats suspended for a brawl with crosstown rival Xavier in December, getting a four-game punishment.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

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