Gophers men's basketball center Reggie Lynch was deemed in violation of the University of Minnesota's sexual misconduct policy and could be suspended from the school until 2020, according to multiple reports.
Lynch's possible suspension stems from a April 2016 incident that took place in a University dorm room, the Pioneer Press reported Thursday night. The suspension, which was recommended by the University's Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, goes into effect on Tuesday, unless Lynch appeals.
A spokesperson for the University did not respond to multiple requests for comment Thursday night.
This is the second investigation by the EOAA into Lynch for sexual misconduct, the Pioneer Press reported. In the current case, the victim was a 20 year old who attended a different university. The incident occurred in Roy Wilkins Hall, according to the Star Tribune.
In May of 2016, a month after the reported incident Lynch was suspended for Thursday night, he was arrested by the University of Minnesota Police Department on suspicion of criminal sexual conduct. On Aug. 24, 2016, the Hennepin County Attorney's office announced he would not face charges stemming from the arrest and was reinstated onto the team. The University investigated and cleared him in the first case, the Star Tribune reported.
Head coach Richard Pitino is set to talk at a media availability, Friday, at 11:15 a.m.
An Edina, Minn. native, Lynch transferred to the Gophers from Illinois State, where he played two seasons. He then sat out in his first season with Minnesota due to transfer rules. In the 2016-17 season, he was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Lynch has started every game this season.
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