Houston G Coleman suspended for stomping Budinger

Jan 26, 2009 - 11:53 PM IRVING, Texas (Ticker) -- Houston junior guard Aubrey Coleman was suspended one game by Conference USA on Monday for stepping on the face of Arizona forward Chase Budinger.

Coleman was ejected from Saturday's loss to the Wildcats when he nearly caused a full-blown fight by stepping on Budinger after being called for charging.

The Cougars' second-leading scorer dribbled down the left baseline and bulled over Budinger, then stepped on the fallen player's head as he walked by. An enraged Budinger got up and had to be restrained.

Coleman, who was assessed a flagrant foul and escorted to the locker room following the incident, apologized for his actions Sunday.

Cougars coach Tom Penders stated that he didn't think that Coleman's actions were intentional.

However, Conference USA felt Coleman's punishment was not enough, suspending him one game for violating the league's sportsmanship policy. According to the league, a suspension is required when a player is charged with flagrant misconduct.

Under the suspension, Coleman will miss the Cougars' league contest with Texas-El Paso on Wednesday.

Coleman is averaging 18.1 points and 7.8 rebounds in 17 games this season.