Holman leaves Indiana in a huff

May 2, 2008 - 3:26 AM BLOOMINGTON, Indiana (Ticker) - Another player has left the Indiana basketball program - and the departure was not cordial.

Freshman Eli Holman asked to be released from his scholarship Thursday in what became an animated meeting with new coach Tom Crean, according to the Bloomington Herald.

The 6-9 Holman apparently became angered during the conversation with Crean and broke a flower pot in the basketball office, which led to a call to the university police.

When police officers arrived at Assembly Hall, a much calmer Holman was speaking with athletic director Rick Greenspan.

"No one said anything about feeling threatened or like the anger was directed at a specific person," said Captain Jerry Minger of the university's police department.

Police did not arrest Holman but they did take a statement from Crean and other witnesses.

"I really thought at that point he posed a danger to himself," Crean told the newspaper.

The university later released a statement from Crean, who said the meeting with Holman started off on good terms before taking a turn for the worse.

"The conversation was very cordial but, unfortunately, it did not end that way," Crean said in the statement. "His behavior took me, along with the other people in the office, by surprise. We saw him as a danger to himself and wanted to take precautionary measures to help him. We felt bad for Eli and hopefully were able to help him.

"I do not anticipate Eli being back at Indiana. We will do our best to help him move forward and wish him well."

Holman's departure is the latest blow to a program still reeling from numerous NCAA infractions committed by former coach Kelvin Sampson, who accepted a $750,000 buyout on February 22.

The Hoosiers may be facing academic sanctions from the NCAA in the upcoming week.

A redshirt freshman, Holman averaged 1.0 points and 1.7 rebounds in six games last season. His transfer leaves Indiana with only five players returning, including just four on scholarship.