Martin suspended for MSU game

Frank Martin has been suspended for the Mississippi State game by athletics director Ray Tanner in the wake of his comments to his team during the Florida game Tuesday night, the university announced today. Martin will not travel with the team to Starkville, and associate head coach Matt Figger will coach the team.

Martin also will not appear on his scheduled radio call-in show, Carolina Calls, tonight (Thursday) at 7. Assistant Perry Clark is scheduled to take his place.

On January 21 at his regular weekly press conference, Martin apologized publicly for a verbal outburst directed at Brent Williams during a loss to Ole Miss the previous Saturday.

Gamecock Central was told Thursday it was unclear when or if Martin would issue a statement about the suspension and that the president's office played a role in the decision.

Here's the release from the school:

University of South Carolina head men's basketball coach Frank Martin has been suspended from his coaching duties for Saturday's game at Mississippi State, Athletics Director Ray Tanner announced today. Martin will not accompany the team to Starkville.

"The one-game suspension is a result of inappropriate verbal communication as it relates to the well-being of our student-athletes," said Tanner.

Associate head coach Matt Figger will serve as acting head coach when the Gamecocks (11-19, 4-13 SEC) take on the Bulldogs (13-17, 3-14 SEC) in the final regular season game of the year. Game time is set for 4 p.m. ET.