SPOKANE, Wash. — Washington State's Klay Thompson, the leading scorer in the Pacific-10, will not play in Saturday's game against UCLA after he was cited for suspicion of marijuana possession following the team's victory over Southern Cal.
Coach Ken Bone suspended Thompson on Friday morning. The loss of Thompson, who is averaging more than 21 points per game, is a major blow as WSU seeks to keep alive its hopes for an NCAA berth.
"We are aware of the situation involving Klay and will continue to gather information," Bone said in a press release Friday. "Klay will be suspended for Saturday's game against UCLA and the situation will continue to be evaluated throughout the weekend."
"Until that time neither myself nor the team will have further comment," Bone said.
Thompson's telephone number is not listed in the Pullman area, where WSU is located, and he could not immediately be reached for comment.
Thompson scored 22 points in WSU's victory over Southern Cal on Thursday night. He leads the Pac-10 in scoring and ranks 11th in the nation.
Pullman Police Commander Chris Tennant said Friday that an officer pulled over Thompson's vehicle about 11 p.m. PST Thursday for having a headlight out and then smelled marijuana. Thompson was alone in the vehicle and denied that he had been smoking marijuana, Tennant said.
A search of the vehicle turned up 1.95 grams of suspected marijuana, an amount that could lead to a misdemeanor charge of possession, Tennant said.
Thompson was given a citation at the scene for possession and released. His vehicle was impounded but was returned to him early Friday, Tennant said.
"He was fairly cooperative," Tennant said.
A court date has not been set.
Washington State (19-10, 9-8 Pac-10) remains in contention for an NCAA berth. UCLA (21-9, 12-5) is one game behind Arizona in the race for the league title.
Thompson, a junior, is the son of former NBA star Mychal Thompson, and has been said to be considering skipping his senior year to take a shot at playing in the NBA.
He is the second WSU player to be cited for marijuana possession this season. In December, point guard Reggie Moore was arrested for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was suspended for one game on Jan. 15.