Junior guard Jamar Smith was dismissed from the University of Illinois basketball team Thursday. Illini coach Bruce Weber said Smith violated terms of an agreement for a potential return to the team when he was cited last Friday for allegedly consuming alcohol, which would be a violation of his probation. Smith is serving two years probation following an alcohol-related auto accident in February, 2007, that led to a felony DUI charge.
In a written statement Weber said, "Jamar's decision to violate the terms of our personal agreement for his potential return to our basketball program has left me with no other recourse but to rescind that opportunity. At this time, Jamar and his family need to focus their attention on the issues that have brought Jamar to this point.
"For the good of our program and players we need to move forward and prepare for the 2008-09 season. While Jamar will always be a part of the Illinois basketball family, I have made the decision that he can no longer be a part of our team. Our entire team and coaching staff are obviously very disappointed he will not be with us.
"We will continue to do everything we can to help him continue his academic career and achieve his goal of graduation.''
Smith will appear in court on September 17, when a judge will decide if his probation should be revoked.
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