Coastal Carolina forward Chris Gradnigo has been suspended from all basketball related activities and is not allowed on campus following his Sunday morning arrest on burglary, kidnapping and assault charges. Gradingo was arraigned on Monday morning at Conway Municipal Court. The University released the following statement on Monday:
"In accordance with the official policies and procedures of Coastal Carolina University, Christopher Gradnigo is not allowed on campus pending completion of the University's judicial process. The Office of Student Conduct is reviewing the case," the statement reads.
"According to CCU Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek, Gradnigo has been suspended from all team-related activities. His status as a member of the men's basketball program will be decided after the University's judicial process has reached a resolution."
CCU men's basketball coach Cliff Ellis addressed the Gradnigo situation on Monday. ""We're trying to gather facts," Ellis said. "There's two sides to every story, and we haven't heard Chris' side at all." Gradnigo averaged 14.9 points and 6.2 rebounds a game for the Chanticleers in his senior season.
Coastal is holding practice this week with the hopes of gaining a third consecutive post-season berth. While the NCAA Tournament and NIT are not possibilities, the CBI and CollegeInsider.com are both post-season options for the 19-11 Chanticleers. Ellis says that the CBI has been in contact with Coastal about the possibility of joining their field. The CBI and CollegeInsider.com fields will be announced on Sunday night after the NCAA and NIT fields are revealed.
