FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas Coach John Pelphrey said Monday there is a plan in place to allow sophomore guard Courtney Fortson to resume practicing and playing for the Razorbacks later this season.
“It’s my hope and my wish,” Pelphrey said. “I certainly don’t have any guarantees.
“I’m a little surprised we’re here where we are.”
It was a surprise when Pelphrey announced before the season that Fortson hadjoined senior guard Stefan Welsh on indefinite suspension.
It was expected Fortson would be suspended for a game or two becauseof an insensitive Twitter message he sent in violation of the athletic department’s social-networking policy, but there was no indication the suspension would be indefinite prior to Pelphrey’s announcement.
Pelphrey said at the time Fortson was suspended for “a couple” of violations of team rules and also is dealing with personal issues in which “we’re going to support him and try to get him better.”
Fortson is among four Razorbacks still on disciplinary suspension from games, buthe is the only player who isn’t practicing. He remains enrolled in school and is working out on his own at Walton Arena, Pelphrey said.
“We have contact with him on a daily basis,” Pelphrey said. “He has done what he’s supposed to do to this point and time.
“His attitude seems to be good. He’s getting to where he needs to be.
“Over a period of time if he can perform and meetthe benchmarks and the plan that’s in place ... he will have an opportunity to play this season.”
Pelphrey wasn’t specific, but said “it’s possible” that Welsh or Fortson could play before the first semester ends with a Dec. 7 game against Delaware State. Presumably, he meant Welsh considering Welsh is practicing.
“I think you’ll notice it when you see it,” Pelphrey said when asked if he was referring to Welsh’s possible return.
Freshman forward Glenn Bryant returned for the teams’ previous game against Appalachian State after serving a two game suspension. Junior guard Marcus Britt has three games left on a six-game suspension, and walk-on sophomore guard Nick Mason is on suspended for the first semester.
Sophomore forward Michael Sanchez remains sidelined by foot injuries.
Sports, Pages 15 on 11/24/2009