Long Beach State’s Davis Suspended

LONG BEACH — Point guard Tommie Davis, who moved into the Long Beach State starting lineup Saturday, has been suspended for the second time this season, officials from Long Beach and the Big West Conference announced Sunday.

The Big West has suspended Davis from Long Beach’s conference opener tonight against Boise State at the Pyramid for throwing an elbow at the back of a Montana player’s head. The incident occurred during Long Beach’s 80-70 loss Dec. 21 at Missoula, Mont.

Montana player J.R. Camel left the game because of a cut. However, Davis was not assessed a foul or ejected because the incident apparently went undetected, a Long Beach official said. At the request of the Big Sky Conference, of which Montana is a member, the Big West last week reviewed a videotape of the game.

Long Beach Coach Wayne Morgan previously suspended Davis for missing curfew the night before the team’s Nov. 30 game at USC. Long Beach lost, 77-70.

“This is action that can’t be condoned, so the suspension is obviously legitimate,” 49er Athletic Director Bill Shumard said. “A lot of things happen during the heat of battle, but Tommie’s behavior was unacceptable, so we totally support the conference’s decision.”

Morgan prohibited Davis, 20, from commenting on the conference’s action. Davis can return to the 49ers’ lineup for Thursday night’s game against Southwest Missouri State at the Pyramid, which will be televised on ESPN.

Although this is Davis’ second suspension in a little more than a month, Shumard said he does not believe a pattern is developing.

“No, not at this point,” Shumard said. “The team is struggling right now, and I think Tommie is frustrated. He’s trying to do more than his part and that’s affecting him.”

The 5-foot-9, 170-pound Davis, nicknamed “Tank,” is the 49ers’ best ballhandler and he is among the Big West’s quickest players. He’s averaging seven points and a team-leading 4.1 assists.

Davis made his first start Saturday in Long Beach’s 71-64 overtime loss at St. Mary’s. He had six points, three assists and three steals in 40 minutes.