On Tuesday, junior guard Andy Robinson of the men's basketball team was suspended from the team indefinitely for his actions last week in a Facebook marketplace incident.
Robinson was caught soliciting assistance with a paper on the novel There Are No Children Here. In the marketplace post, he offered to pay up to $40 for a paper answering questions based on the novel.
"Andy Robinson has been suspended from basketball-related activities for his actions last week in soliciting help to complete part of his course work," said head coach Reggie Witherspoon in a statement. "He has since taken corrective steps and is extremely remorseful for his actions and the appearance of impropriety that this incident has cast on all UB student-athletes. We will evaluate his position on the team based on any university action, as well as him meeting expectations placed on him by the Division of Athletics and the men's basketball program."
In a statement, Robinson admitted to his wrongdoing as he hopes to recover the trust of the Buffalo community.
"I realize I made a mistake for which I take full responsibility and realize I must regain the trust of my teammates, fellow student-athletes and coaching staff," Robinson said. "I have brought disappointment to myself and the university and for this I am truly sorry."
Michael Ryan, vice provost and dean of undergraduate education, has already begun the investigation process concerning the incident.
"I'm looking into the matter myself," Ryan said. "The university has clear academic standards for our academic community. All students are held to those standards, whether they are student-athletes or otherwise."
According to the university catalog, cheating is considered "soliciting and/or receiving information from, or providing information to, another student or any other unauthorized source (including electronic sources such as cellular phones and PDAs), with the intent to deceive while completing an examination or individual assignment."
While the extent of Robinson's actions are currently not known, Ryan states that Robinson's situation will be handled carefully and a just decision will be made.
"The policy is pretty clear," Ryan said. "Purchasing of an academic assignment with the intent of submitting it to fulfill a course requirement is a violation of academic integrity. There is no language explicit to if a person was just soliciting. We'd have to make a determination on what the intent (of Robinson) was."
According to Assistant Athletic Director/Communications Paul Vecchio, a policy has been in place to try to protect the university and its athletes.
"We have a policy that all of our student athletes read that was implemented this year that they read and sign off on," Vecchio said. "They are responsible for all content and that content should not be something that can cause embarrassment for their team or Buffalo, and in regards to men's basketball, there has been no changed policy."
While the Athletic Department has not officially made policy changes on student athletes having Facebook accounts, Robinson's actions have caused changes amongst basketball players across the men's team.
"After Coach Witherspoon met with the team concerning the incident, the teammates decided to stop using the accounts on their own," Vecchio said.
The matter has officially impacted Robinson both on and off the court.
"There have already been consequences to Andy, and the future for him will be dependant on the university's decision and him meeting expectations put forth from the division and the basketball program," Vecchio said.
As the investigation continues, Ryan plans to set his verdict as quickly as possible in order for the university to move on from the ordeal.
"I plan on having a resolution on this matter by the end of the semester," Ryan said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
