University of Tennessee at Chattanooga sophomore guard Josh Odem has been suspended by coach John Shulman for a second straight game.
Odem will not play Tuesday at noon against Reinhardt after sitting on the bench for UTC's 71-65 win at Elon on Friday.
Those decisions were made by Shulman and based on a poor academic progress report Shulman received.
"He didn't show a whole lot of attention to detail with his academics," Shulman said. "It didn't look good and I wasn't pleased. I made my decision before I saw recertification."
Odem's eligibility for the spring semester is out of the coach's hands. UTC employees on the academic side of the university will determine if Odem's grades meet NCAA eligibility requirements or not.
"I guess we'll learn everything on Tuesday," Shulman said. "Our team is going to be just fine with or without him."
Each of the other Mocs are expected to remain in good academic standing for the spring.
"We have things in place, and you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink," Shulman said. "They know what is expected of them academically. Do it and you're in great shape. Don't, and you're not in great shape.
"It's up to the kids to take care of it. We help them, but it's a shame we're talking about it."
Last season, Shulman suspended Odem for two games for a violation of team rules, a punishment that coincided with a two-game suspension of former UTC player Ridge McKeither.
Odem is averaging 6.9 points and 1.4 rebounds per game. Less than a week ago, Odem said, "I have to figure out my work ethic and get that right. I have to change that. It's what I'm trying to do now, go hard every day."
Odem had an excused absence from Sunday's team meeting and practice. Family members met the bus on its return from Elon so Odem could attend his brother's wedding on Saturday. And knowing Odem isn't going to play on Tuesday, Shulman said there was little need for Odem to practice on Sunday.
Without Odem on Friday, senior wing Troy Cage tied a season-high 14 minutes and Jeff Smith saw his first action in four games.
"It's a tough thing, but that's why you have some many players, and when one goes down, everybody else has to step up," point guard Keegan
Bell said. "Other guys have to get it going on Tuesday. All the guards. It brings opportunities for guys who haven't been playing.
"Whoever is a guard needs to be ready to bring it."