Michigan State star forward Miles Bridges has been cleared by the NCAA to resume playing. Bridges’ name was mentioned in a Yahoo sports article by Pat Forde Friday morning. His mother Cynthia Bridges received about $470 worth of benefits from Christian Dawkins. Dawkins a Saginaw native, was an associate to former NBA agent Andy Miller. Bill Beekman the interim athletic director at Michigan State reached out to the NCAA regarding Bridges eligibility. This is what Beekman said in a statement.
“After learning of the allegations in yesterday’s Yahoo! Sports article, our compliance office conducted a thorough internal review,” Beekman said in the statement. “Michigan State presented its findings to the NCAA, and Miles Bridges has been cleared for competition moving forward, beginning Sunday at Wisconsin.”
As reported earlier today by Matt Charboneau of the Detroit News, Dawkins was trying to “close a deal” to bring another Saginaw native Brian Bowen to Michigan State. According to the report, Bowen was one of Michigan State’s top targets in the summer of 2016. The same summer Bridges signed with the school. Michigan State backed off of courting Bowen as the process played out. Eventually, Bowen signed with Louisville and ultimately cost former head coach Rick Pitino his job. Bowen has since transferred to South Carolina but has not played.
This is obviously great news for Tom Izzo and Spartan Nation. Bridges is leading the team in points this season, averaging 17.1 per game. This could have been a huge blow to a team that many experts have picked to be cutting down the nets this season in San Antonio.
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The NCAA tournament is not far off from now, and both Michigan and Michigan State are clear locks to make this year’s tourney. The selection show will be televised on TBS on March 11 at 6 p.m. ET.
The Spartans are currently ranked No. 2 in the nation and have a record of 27-3 (15-2 Big Ten). Just last night they clinched at least a share of the Big Ten title with an 81-61 victory over Illinois at home on Senior Night. The Spartans have wins over teams like Notre Dame, North Carolina, and Purdue on their resume. Plus, they’re currently riding an 11-game winning streak.
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