Gopher Arrested for Shoplifting at MOA

MINNEAPOLIS - One of the University of Minnesota’s gopher basketball players, who were suspended, was arrested in October for shoplifting from Mall of America.

According to Bloomington Police, White was arrested for theft and 5th degree assault in October at the Mall of America.

Police say on October 13, Royce White was arrested for shoplifting at the Macy’s at Mall of America. Police say White had about $100 worth of merchandise. When a security guard approached White, he allegedly pushed the guard down twice.

He was arrested, but not booked in jail. The Mall of America also banned him from visiting the mall for one year.

Two Gopher Basketball Players Suspended

Coach Tubby Smith has suspended freshman Royce White and senior Devron Bostick indefinitely for violation of team rules. Smith would not elaborate on the reasons behind the suspensions. He said White and Bostick will miss at least two games and maybe more.

Bostick averaged 11 minutes per game last season off the bench with the Gophers as a junior. Royce White was the No. 35 rated prospect coming out of high school by ESNU/Scouts Inc.

Monday, athletics director Joel Maturi said transfer forward Trevor Mbakwe will not play basketball for the Gophers this season until his felony battery case is cleared.

The Gophers open the season on Thursday night.