Des Moines Register 04-18-07
Shoplifting arrest clouds Taylor's fate
Coach expands review of the suspended player after his second arrest.
By RICK BROWN Register Staff Writer
Mike Taylor's future as a member of Iowa State's basketball team is under review after he was cited by Ames police for fifth-degree theft Saturday.
Taylor, the Cyclones' most valuable player last season, also was arrested March 19 for fourth-degree criminal mischief stemming from a Feb. 4 incident.
Taylor has been suspended from the Iowa State team since the March arrest, which violated Iowa State's student-athlete conduct code.
"I am in the process of collecting more information, and the latest citation will be part of an exhaustive review of Mike's personal conduct,'' Iowa State basketball coach Greg McDermott said in a statement Tuesday. "I will consider the evidence that is available to me and determine a course of action that is suitable for Mike and our basketball team.''
Taylor, 21, from Milwaukee, Wis., was ticketed Saturday after being accused of shoplifting an item worth $11.06 from the Cub Foods store at 3121 Grand Ave.
Taylor is accused of taking a box of cold medicine, according to Sgt. Mark Wheeler of the Ames Police Department. Taylor has a court date at 8:30 a.m. Friday.
Taylor's citation for fifth-degree theft came one day after he submitted a written plea of innocence to the fourth-degree criminal mischief charges.
Those charges arose after an incident at an apartment complex on Frederiksen Court.
According to police records, Taylor discharged a fire extinguisher, damaged a light cover, pulled down an exit sign and poured liquid on a wall. The incident, which caused more than $200 damage, is classified as a serious misdemeanor.
According to the Iowa Code, Taylor's punishment could include a fine between $250 and $1,500 if found guilty. Taylor has a June 7 trail date. Taylor, a guard, has one season of eligibility remaining. He led Iowa State in scoring (16.0), assists (4.5) and turnovers (5.4) last season.
Reporter Rick Brown can be reached at (515) 284-8162 or [email protected]