Dezmine Wells expelled from Xavier

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Xavier has expelled sophomore Dezmine Wells, the university announced in a statement on Tuesday.

The guard/forward, who would have been the Musketeers' top returning scorer this season, was found to be in "serious violation" of the Xavier University Conduct Board, according to the release.

"While we understand there is heightened interest in this situation because it involves a student-athlete, we must reiterate that first and foremost Xavier's interest and responsibility to all of our students is to provide a quality education in a safe and nurturing environment,'' the statement read in part. "A serious violation of Xavier's Code of Student Conduct will not be tolerated. All Xavier students are subject to the same protections and consequences.''

The university release added that there would be no further comment, citing Federal privacy laws.

Xavier associate athletic director Tom Eiser said that Wells would be eligible to transfer under normal NCAA restrictions -- that is, he would have to sit out a year before playing at another Division I institution.

Wells' expulsion is a huge blow for a Xavier squad that already was in major retooling mode. Team leader Tu Holloway and big man Kenny Frease have graduated and in April, head coach Chris Mack announced that Mark Lyons, the team's second leading scorer, would not be returning to the team. Lyons has since transferred to Arizona.

Wells was named to the Atlantic 10 all-rookie team last season after averaging 9.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. He was fourth on the team in scoring and third in rebounding.

Mack could not be reached for comment.

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Dana O'Neil | email

College Basketball

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• College basketball writer for ESPN.com
• 20-plus years in sports journalism
• USBWA board member