Illini Hoops Star Kofi Cockburn Suspended For First Three Games

Chicago IL

02 November, 2021

4:20 PM

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CHAMPAIGN, IL —University of Illinois junior Kofi Cockburn, projected as one of the top players in college basketball, has been suspended for the first three games of the upcoming season by the NCAA for selling school-issued apparel and memorabilia over the summer, the school announced Monday. The suspension is required as part of Cockburn's reinstatement process, the university said. Cockburn, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, also will be required to repay the amount generated from selling the apparel by making a donation to a charity of his choice. He is permitted to practice with the team during the suspension. The 7-foot Cockburn will miss the No. 11 Illini's Nov. 9 season-opener against Jackson State, the visit three days later of Arkansas Sate and the Nov. 15 trip to Marquette. Cockburn, who recently was selected as the Fox College Hoops Preseason Player of the Year, will be eligible to make his regular-season debut on Nov. 22 against Cincinnati in the Hall of Fame Classic in Kansas City. On July 1, the state of Illinois and the NCAA enacted new name, image and likeness (NIL) legislation giving collegiate athletes unprecedented opportunities to benefit financially off the field, including by selling school-issued apparel and merchandise. However, Cockburn sold the apparel and merchandize in June, before it was permissible to do so under NIL guidelines, according to the university. Illinois head coach Brad Underwood also noted that Cockburn sold the memorabilia during a period in which his name was listed among the candidates for the 2021 NBA Draft. However, Cockburn took his name off that list in July, and declared he would return to Champaign. "We are disappointed with the three-game suspension, because there were unprecedented factors and altered timelines related to his decision to ultimately withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to school," Underwood said in a statement Monday. "Once Kofi had a full understanding of where he stood regarding the draft, he made an educated decision to return to school, work toward his degree, and continue improving his game." Underwood continued: "That said, we understand and respect the NCAA's decision in this matter, and we will move forward accordingly. As always, Kofi's attitude and outlook remain upbeat and positive. He is focused on helping his teammates prepare for the season, and we can't wait to have him rejoin us on the court." Cockburn averaged 17.7 points and 9.5 rebounds per game last season to earn a second-team spot on the AP All-America team.