Al Nolen Has Appeal Denied by NCAA

Minnesota athletics officials were informed by the NCAA late Tuesday that junior point guard Al Nolen’s appeal to the Division I Progress Toward Degree Waiver Committee has been denied. As a result, Nolen is ineligible to compete for the Gophers or travel with the team for the balance of the 2009-10 season. He is permitted to practice with the team and take part in other team activities.

Al Nolen was averaging 6.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game in 25.4 minutes per contest. He has been replaced in the starting lineup by sophomore guard Devoe Joseph.

Head coach Tubby Smith, who is on the road recruiting this week, was not available for comment. Smith’s next media availability is on Friday, February 5, prior to the Gophers’ game at Penn State on Saturday, February 6.