GT's Clinch suspended for season

Press release from Georgia Tech:

Lewis Clinch, a sophomore member of Georgia Tech’s basketball team, has been suspended from the Yellow Jackets’ team for violation of Institute policy. The 6-3 guard left the team on Friday, and will not play the remainder of the 2006-07 season.

His status as a student at Georgia Tech will be determined next week when spring semester classes begin. Clinch has indicated his desire to work with the Institute to remain enrolled.

“Lewis has been presented with several options, but has been resolute about staying in school at Georgia Tech if at all possible,” said head coach Paul Hewitt. “He has been in good academic standing throughout his career. He has been a good person, a good teammate and a hard worker.

“There are a number of scenarios under which Lewis can regain his playing status in the coming months and rejoin our basketball team next season. I can only wish him the best in working with the Institute with regard to his pursuit of a degree from Georgia Tech.”

Clinch, from Cordele, Ga., has played in all 14 games for Tech this season and started 12 of them, averaging 13.2 points a game while shooting 53.2 percent from the floor and 47.6 percent from three-point range. Clinch ranked among the Atlantic Coast Conference leaders in all three categories.