Pettis put on indefinite suspension

Basketball player turned himself in to police, who had issued warrant for his arrest

By Eddie Hughes

Fresno State men’s basketball coach Ray Lopes announced Thursday that sophomore guard Terry Pettis is suspended from the team indefinitely.

The 19-year-old Pettis was arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism and possible spousal abuse, said Gil Hernandez, public information spokesman for the Fresno Police Department.

Pettis turned himself in to Fresno police Wednesday at 6:45 p.m., according to Associate Athletic Director Steve Weakland.

“ Within the last 24 hours we’ve had a member of our basketball team that’s allegedly been involved with some unlawful things that have been both disturbing and painful for all of us,” Lopes said in a statement Thursday at 5:45 p.m.

Pettis was wanted by police for suspicion of vandalism, said Tom Uribes, university spokesman. When Pettis turned himself in, he was joined by his Fresno-based attorney Ernest Kinney, Uribes said.

Pettis did not return messages left on his cell phone.

Weakland said Pettis was released from Fresno County Jail Wednesday night.

“ I think it’s important to note that Terry Pettis has been alleged in some situations but he has not been formally charged by the attorney’s office,” Lopes said.

Lopes said the athletic department does not yet know when the formal charges will be announced. It could take three days or it could take three weeks, Lopes said.

If Pettis is convicted of a felony, he would be expelled automatically from the team, according to the Fresno State Student-Athlete Handbook. If he is charged with a felony, but not convicted, Pettis would be automatically suspended from the team for an undetermined period of time.

Pettis started nine games for the Bulldogs last season, averaging 7.9 points and 3.5 assists per game.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder from Minneapolis is one of three returning athletes who played in games last season.

Lopes said Pettis will not be allowed to participate in any basketball-related activities for an indefinite amount of time because of the suspension.

“ Terry needs help right now,” Lopes said. “Terry needs our support. I think it’s important to note that we have already begun the steps as far as providing outside help in the form of counseling to help him get through this, to help him better himself.”