Oregon Suspends Dominic Artis and Ben Carter

In what is big news for the Hoyas ahead of the season opener on Friday against Oregon in the Armed Forces Classic, Oregon has suspended starters Dominic Artis and Ben Carter.  Artis averaged 8.5 points and 3.2 assists last season, while Carter averaged 2.4 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.

From SBN blog Addicted to Quack on the impact the suspensions may have on the Ducks:

While Oregon the best team in the conference with Artis on the floor last season, the Ducks' backcourt depth leaves them in pretty good shape to weather that loss. Pac-12 Tournament MVP Johnathan Loyd likely slides into the starting point guard slot alongside Damyean Dotson, while Joseph Young and Jason Calliste-both big scorers who started at Houston and Detroit, respectively, last season-give the Ducks plenty of firepower at the guard positions.

The Carter suspension is more problematic. The Ducks are not nearly as deep in the frontcourt, where Carter was expected to start alongside UNLV transfer Mike Moser. Transfer John Amardi and Waverly Austin are the candidates to slide into that spot, though at this point Duck fans are pretty certain that Austin isn't a guy that should be playing big minutes on a team with NCAA Tournament aspirations.

Here is some additional linkage on the news:

Oregon suspends two before opener with Hoyas | Comcast SportsNet Washington
When Thompson spoke with the local media on Monday, he emphasized the up-tempo Ducks pressure teams on both ends of the court. Certainly offensively the push comes from Artis, who started 25 games for the Ducks last season.

Scout.com: Ducks Suspend Two
Quote from Dominic Artis: "I want to apologize to the University, to Coach Altman and to my teammates for selling team apparel. I regret my actions and do not want this situation to define me or my character."

Oregon suspends Dominic Artis, Ben Carter for selling team-exclusive shoes - NCAA Basketball - Sporting News
Dominic Artis and Ben Carter are expected to sit out a significant number of games this season after they -- along with three former Ducks players -- allegedly sold team-exclusive sneakers.

Oregon suspends Dominic Artis and Ben Carter, amount of games to be determined | CollegeBasketballTalk
Oregon begins the season on Friday night in South Korea against Georgetown as part of the Armed Forces Classic. The Ducks will have to face the Hoyas without sophomores Dominic Artis and Ben Carter. The two were reportedly suspended on Tuesday for selling exclusive Nike basketball shoes this spring.

Basketball - M - Mobile - GoDucks.com - The University of Oregon Official Athletics Web Site
"Ben and Dominic are two good young men who made a poor decision that was against NCAA rules," UO coach Dana Altman said in a statement released to media. "I feel that both regret their decisions and the impact that it has on their teammates and our university."