Freshman Aija Putnina will miss Feb. 27 game versus Nebraska
The Big 12 Conference assessed Colorado women’s basketball freshman forward Aija Putnina a one-game suspension for an elbowing incident that occurred over the weekend.
The Big 12 announced the decision Monday following Putnina’s ejection during a CU home match against Kansas on Feb. 24.
The freshman forward’s elbow struck the face of Kansas’ Shaquina Mosley after Putnina rebounded a missed KU three-point shot with 0:59 left in the second half.
As a result of the contact, Putnina was whistled for a flagrant foul and ejected from the game, while Mosley suffered a concussion. Mosley left the game and did not return.
The officials had already charged Putnina with her first technical foul earlier in the second half when the Buff swung her elbow back towards the Kansas senior after Mosley had fouled Putnina in a similar instance.
“After evaluation of videotape, we concluded that Ms. Putnina’s act is in violation of the Big 12 Conference’s Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship,” Big 12 Commissioner Kevin Weiberg said in a statement.
“Although Ms. Putnina may not have intended to strike her opponent, the swinging of her elbow was dangerous and led to excessive contact that caused injury. We will continue to penalize this type of conduct and convey the message that it is unacceptable.”
Putnina will serve her suspension on Feb. 27 when Colorado travels to Nebraska to take on the Cornhuskers. In serving her suspension, Putnina may practice and travel with the team but is not permitted to suit up or participate in any pre-game or game activities.
“Both head coach Kathy McConnell-Miller and the University of Colorado support the Big 12 Conference office ruling and fully embrace the league’s commitment to upholding the sportsmanship initiative,” athletic director Mike Bohn said in a statement.
