It might be the off season but the USF mens' basketball squad is active and not in a good way. Last Saturday, sophomores Toarlyn Fitzpatrick and Mike Burwell were arrested as they left Village Inn on North Dale Mabry after not paying for a 29.12 bill for their food. Two officers who were at the restaurant noticed they did not pay, followed them as they left and arrested them after. They were charged with 2nd degree misdemeanors and released on $250 bonds.
Coach Heath is furious at this point. The Bulls came off a 20 win season and a birth into the NIT Tournament, something the program has not done in over 20 years. With a record setting season, new and exciting recruits, and a brand new training facility, the Muma Center, the USF basketball program is rising, then this stupid stunt occurs. Burwell was suppose to contend for big minutes this upcoming after sitting behind Chris Howard and Dominque Jones all season. He is a highly regarded shooter and could be a great weapon in the Big East. Fitzpatrick is even more important for the Bulls, staring several games for the Bulls, at 6'10", Fitzpatrick proved a valuable weapon in the paint, gathering up hard rebounds and dominating on defense, leading the team with 32 blocks, he was penciled in as a starter for next season. It is undecided on what the punishment will be for both of them, Coach Heath states that is still awaiting all the information in the case before making a decision. Most likely they will be suspended for a handful of games. It is a foolish move they made, poor decision making.
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