University of Iowa men's basketball Coach Steve Alford has permanently dismissed star player Pierre Pierce from the team, the athletic department announced this afternoon.
"I regret this step has become necessary, but Pierre has betrayed the trust we placed in him when he was given a second chance two years ago," Alford said in a statement.
"Pierre is an excellent basketball player who will be missed by our team, but given the circumstances I feel this is the only appropriate response."
Pierce is the subject of a police investigation in West Des Moines. In 2002, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault causing injury after being arrested on a felony sex abuse charge. Pierce red-shirted the 2002-2003 season and then returned last year.
"I regret this step has become necessary, but Pierre has betrayed the trust we placed in him when he was given a second chance two years ago," Alford said in a statement.
"Pierre is an excellent basketball player who will be missed by our team, but given the circumstances I feel this is the only appropriate response."
Pierce is the subject of a police investigation in West Des Moines. In 2002, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault causing injury after being arrested on a felony sex abuse charge. Pierce red-shirted the 2002-2003 season and then returned last year.