Savon Goodman leaving UNLV basketball
Sophomore forward Savon Goodman, facing felony charges and suspended for the season, announced Friday he is leaving the UNLV basketball program.
“This was his decision to leave,” coach Dave Rice said. “He’s still enrolled in school and figuring out if he wants to finish the semester. He will be transferring somewhere. I wish him all the best.”
Goodman met with Rice after the Rebels’ public scrimmage at the Thomas & Mack Center on Thursday night, and they met again in the morning. Rice said Goodman was not forced to depart because of any rules violation.
In August, Goodman was arraigned in Las Vegas on charges of conspiracy to commit burglary (a misdemeanor), felony burglary and felony grand larceny after allegedly stealing $500, a pair of shoes and several video games from the apartment of an acquaintance in May.
Rice announced Goodman’s suspension Aug. 24, though he had been practicing with the team with plans to redshirt.
“There is no doubt these last several months have been tough on him, and I think he was just looking for a fresh start,” Rice said.
The 6-foot-6-inch Goodman appeared in 27 games as a freshman and averaged 3.6 points and 2.4 rebounds. He was considered a potential starter this season before running into trouble.
“I have enjoyed my time at UNLV and am thankful for the support of the fans, my teammates and coaches since I have been here,” Goodman said in a statement released by the school.
“However, I have felt a lot of pressure the last few months. I feel it is best for me to leave the program at this time. Even though I am from Philadelphia, I will always think of Las Vegas as another home.”
Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907. Follow him on Twitter: @mattyoumans247.
