Marquette forward suspended 3 games by NCAA

Nov 12, 2011 - 1:50 AM Milwaukee, WI (Sports Network) - A freshman Marquette forward was suspended for the first three games of the season for violating NCAA rules by accepting a free ticket to a Major League Baseball game.

Juan Anderson received the punishment after attending a Milwaukee Brewers playoff game with a free suite ticket offered by someone who was not his parent or legal guardian.

Marquette determined the violation following an internal review and self- reported it to the NCAA. The suspension was finalized Friday, the same day Marquette opened its season against Mount St. Mary's.

In a statement, Anderson apologized to his teammates and coaches for what he called a mistake.

"My college eligibility is much too valuable for me to risk," he said. "I should have been more aware, but I have learned from my mistake."

Acting athletic director Mike Broeker said Anderson's situation shows how easy it is to make a mistake despite the significant amount of rules education the school's compliance department does for its student-athletes and staff.

"Juan was cooperative, apologetic and understood the consequences," he said in a statement.

Marquette head coach Buzz Williams called Anderson "a great representative of our program on and off the floor" and said his situation was a learning opportunity for everyone in the program.

Anderson is eligible to practice with the team during his suspension.