Drake basketball players Rice, Alexander suspended for theft

According to a report from KCCI Des Moines, Drake basketball star Rayvonte Rice and senior Kurt Alexander have been suspended indefinitely.

The two were arrested Wednesday night for fifth-degree theft. According to the report, the incident occurred at the Scheels Sporting Goods store in Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines. Fifth-degree theft is considered a simple misdemeanor, classified as a theft of less than $200.

Lt. Jim Barrett of the West Des Moines Police Department said both players were arrested, charged and released on citation to appear at a later date, according to the report.

Rice was named to the Missouri Valley Conference All-Freshman and All-Newcomer teams last season and is considered by many to be Drake’s top player. The sophomore led the Bulldogs in scoring, rebounding, steals and blocked shots last season.

“We are aware that two members of our men’s basketball team face allegations of petty shoplifting,” Drake Athletic Director Sandy Hatfield Clubb told KCCI. “The decision made by these young men is not reflective of the expectations of character and responsibility to which we hold all student-athletes. The student-athletes have been suspended immediately from all team activities. We will allow for the continuation of the legal process before making further comment or determining the length of suspension and any further action on the matter. Discipline and consequences will be determined consistent with the Drake University Student Code of Conduct and expectations for our student athletes.”

Alexander played his first season for Drake last year as a junior transfer student. He came off the bench and averaged 5.6 points in 31 games.