KU forward Dedric Lawson suspended for Italy trip following role in practice altercation

Kansas forward and recent Memphis transfer Dedric Lawson has been suspended and will not go with the team on its Italy exhibition trip this week.

KU coach Bill Self, who made the announcement Sunday afternoon, said Lawson’s punishment was related to a recent practice incident.

“An altercation occurred and he didn’t handle it well,” Self said. “That’s certainly the case with that. I made that decision (to suspend him).”

Lawson, a 6-foot-9 forward, announced he was transferring to KU in April along with his brother, K.J. Dedric averaged 19.2 points and 9.9 rebounds last season at Memphis.

Self reiterated Sunday that Dedric was only suspended “temporarily.”

“Don’t get me wrong: He’s on the team. He’s in school. He’ll be here whenever school starts and all that,” Self said. “But he’s aware that he didn’t handle the situation well, so he’s been suspended for the trip.”

K.J. Lawson and Cal transfer Charlie Moore will be eligible for KU’s exhibition games, with the opener coming Wednesday in Rome. Self said those two should benefit from playing, but likely not as much as newcomers such as Billy Preston and Marcus Garrett, who are expected to have large roles this coming season.

The team will depart Lawrence early Monday and is scheduled to arrive in Rome on Tuesday morning.

“Practice has probably been above average — not great — but today was pretty good,” Self said. “(The guys) seem excited to play.”

This story was originally published July 30, 2017 at 7:52 PM with the headline "KU forward Dedric Lawson suspended for Italy trip following role in practice altercation."