Nebraska sophomore Nana Akenten suspended indefinitely for violation of team rules

Nebraska sophomore Nana Akenten suspended indefinitely for violation of team rules
Nana Akenten is averaging 4.3 points and 2.5 rebounds in 28 games for the Huskers. MADDIE WASHBURN/THE WORLD-HERALD

LINCOLN — Nebraska guard Nana Akenten was suspended indefinitely by coach Tim Miles on Thursday for violation of team rules.

No statement or further context was given in a release sent on Thursday afternoon. On his weekly radio show, Miles said he couldn’t expand on the reasons why Akenten was suspended.

“You really can’t get into it more than that other than: I wouldn’t have done it unless it was the right thing to do and hopefully it can be a learning experience for Nana,” Miles said.

The “indefinite” tag on the suspension is because of the uncertainty of the length of the rest of the season, Miles said. Nebraska’s final regular season game is on Sunday against Iowa. Then NU will begin the Big Ten tournament on Wednesday.

Akenten will be away from the team during his suspension. The 6-foot-6 guard played 12.8 minutes per game this season and averaged 4.3 points. With starter Thomas Allen likely out for the year with an ankle injury, Akenten was seen as a replacement for Allen’s nearly 10 points per game. Akenten scored a team-high 11 points at Michigan last week, but just 1 point in 12 minutes against Michigan State.

He’s now no longer an option.

Forwards Amir Harris and Thorir Thorbjarnarson will likely play in Akenten’s spot.

Miles left the Lincoln North Star-Creighton Prep state basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena at about 3 p.m. to take a phone call. He did not return. Two hours hours later, the statement was released suspending Akenten.

For Nebraska’s final game against Iowa, the Huskers will be without Akenten, Allen and Isaac Copeland. All three are out for Nebraska’s first game in the Big Ten tournament on Wednesday, too.

Nebraska is 15-15 on the year after a promising 11-2 start. Since Jan. 17, the Huskers are 2-11.

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