Clemons cleared to play today while case continues

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Missouri has reinstated junior guard Ricky Clemons, who served a one-game suspension after he was arrested and charged with second-degree domestic assault.

Coach Quin Snyder said Monday that Clemons is expected to play today in Missouri's home game against Iowa State.

"I have faith in the process. What I provide Ricky is my support," Snyder said, adding that Clemons denies the charge against him.

"I think it's premature to pass judgment," the coach said.

Snyder said he would not discuss the specifics of the decision to reinstate Clemons, but said he felt it had been handled responsibly.

"Character has always been a top priority and will remain a top priority in our program," he said.

Authorities in Columbia said a 20-year-old woman accused Clemons of choking her at his home and prevented her from leaving last Thursday night. Police have not released the woman's identity.

Clemons, 22, surrendered to authorities Friday afternoon and was freed that night on $10,000 bond. He did not play in the Tigers' 20-point loss at Oklahoma State Saturday.

In the statement Monday, Missouri Athletic Director Mike Alden said it is not the function of the department to take the place of the judicial process. Clemons was suspended to give school officials time to investigate the incident, and give Alden time to meet with Clemons.

Based on the information available, Alden said, "I do not believe it would be appropriate to continue to hold Ricky out of competition."

Clemons' arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 29, said his attorney, Wally Bley.

Without Clemons, a junior-college transfer, the Tigers lost 76-56 to then-No. 24 Oklahoma State on Saturday. The loss, coupled with Missouri's 76-69 loss to then-No. 25 Syracuse on Jan. 13, dropped the Tigers (10-3, 1-1 Big 12) from No. 11 to No. 21 in this week's AP poll.

Clemons started Missouri's first 12 games, averaging 17.2 points and 32.8 minutes a game. He became the team's top scorer when Rickey Paulding scored just 10 points against Oklahoma State, dropping his average to 17.1.