Johnson suspended indefinitely

One week before the start of the season, the Cal State Long Beach men's basketball team has suspended junior Marcus Johnson indefinitely.

Johnson, a 6-foot-9-inch, 210 pound forward from San Diego, has been banned from participation in formal practices and team competitions due to breaking team rules.

CSULB officials would not comment on the specific reason for Johnson's suspension, only saying that the suspension is indefinite.

By suspending Johnson, the program is "sending the message that breaking any team protocol is not acceptable and won't be tolerated at Long Beach State," CSULB head basketball Coach Wayne Morgan said.

Last year, Johnson played in 26 out of 28 games, averaging 5.9 points and 5.2 rebounds in 20.8 minutes.

Losing Johnson, combined with the absence of star forward James Cotton, will make defending last year's Big West Conference regular season championship much more difficult; even though the 49ers have been picked by many to win the conference championship this year.