Two WVU basketball players issued citations

According to the Charleston Daily Mail [link], WVU Basketball players Joe Mazzulla and Dalton Pepper have been issued citations for disorderly conduct and public urination 12:30am Sunday morning. More after the jump.

Lifted from the article…

"Mazzulla, a senior point guard, and Pepper, a sophomore shooting guard, were accused of disorderly conduct and public urination at around 12:30 a.m. near Chestnut and Reid Streets. Both have the option to contest the charge in municipal court Nov. 1 or to plead guilty and pay a fine.In a statement released through the sports information department, WVU Coach Bob Huggins said, “We are aware of the situation and the matter will be handled internally.”"

This isn’t the first time that Mazzulla has been in trouble due to alcohol…

"In April 2009 Mazzulla was suspended from the team after an arrest for a domestic battery charge. He was accused of grabbing a woman by the throat during an argument at a downtown bar. He later pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was made to pay a $100 fine and court costs and to perform 40 hours of community service.In July 2008 he was arrested at a Pittsburgh Pirates game after an episode with ballpark security. Mazzulla, who was 20 at the time, was charged with underage drinking, resisting arrest, hindering apprehension and aggravated assault, the latter two because he was accused of throwing a punch at an officer as Mazzulla tried to separate police from teammate Cam Thoroughman, who was also arrested in the incident.The two later pleaded guilty to public intoxication and disorderly conduct and each paid $100 in fines, plus court costs."

It’s obvious to me that Mazzulla needs to lay off the sauce. I mean, this is three incidents (one per calendar year) that he’s been involved in, two involving teammates.

Here’s the thing: I’m not saying Bob Huggins should throw him off the team (that’s my opinion), but it’s very obvious that some severe discipline needs to be administered, and if that means Huggins telling Mazzulla “adios,” then so be it.

Also, the public urination charge could have easily been avoided… just go into a dark, dark place and take a whiz. Every young male, at some point in his life, has publicly urinated after having a lot to drink that evening and forgot to hit up a bathroom due to being blitzed.

Like I said, something needs to be done about Mazzulla… but, what? We will keep an eye on this story as it develops.