Just one day before its season opener against The Citadel at the Petersen Events Center, Pitt announced the indefinite suspension of Ithiel Horton, pending investigation of his arrest over the weekend.
Horton was arrested and charged with aggravated assault after an incident stemming from a dispute with a tow truck driver when the 21-year old guard from New Jersey allegedly struck a police officer in the face before fleeing the scene.
The suspension prohibits Horton from participating in any practice or competition activities until the University of Pittsburgh is satisfied with the completion of the legal process regarding the matter.
Jeff Capel, nor any Pitt official would offer comments on Horton's situation outside of the announced suspension. Capel did address Pittsburgh media Monday afternoon via Zoom for a pre-game press conference before Pitt's home opener Tuesday night at 7 p.m.
Horton's suspension leaves Pitt's backcourt bare, as Jamarius Burton is still recovering from offseason surgery and Nike Sibande is out for the season with a torn ACL. Sophomore Femi Odukale is the only available guard on the roster with considerable experience heading into Tuesday night, and the only other guard who could play and has had even limited court time for the Panthers is senior Onyebuch Ezeakudo.
