McDonald Cleared to play for UNC
It certainly has been hard for senior Leslie McDonald, as he learned earlier that he would be facing suspensions by the NCAA.
However, UNC and Roy Williams has learned that McDonald has been cleared to play by the NCAA and could be available as early as Wednesday night.
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Whether or not he starts is certainly still up in the air due to the recent success of the Tar Heels. But, there isn't a doubt in anybody's mind, that McDonald will be a huge boost for the Tar Heels with his senior leadership and ability to shoot the ball.
McDonald had to face a nine game suspension and will have to pay back 1,783 dollars for improper benefits.
What has been reported, is that McDonald accepted several benefits, including luxury cars, payment of parking tickets, a cell phone and lodging and will have to be paid before the last regular season game.
No doubt about it though, it has been hard for McDonald to watch his teammates on the court this year, just as P.J. Hairston has done this season.
"I feel blessed to play again for Carolina," McDonald said. "I truly regret putting my family, UNC and my teammates and coaches through this. I apologize to everyone who cares about the University of North Carolina and will do what I can to make up for it."
Even though the Tar Heels are still waiting to hear about Hairston, McDonald should provide a huge boost at the guard position.
Last year, McDonald averaged 17.7 minutes a game for the Tar Heels, hitting about 35.7 percent of his shots from the floor.
He also hit 42 three pointers last year for the Tar Heels, something that North Carolina has lacked all season long.
The Tar Heels have hit 25 three pointers this year, with 21 of them coming from Marcus Paige, who has had to step up and play shooting guard in the early going of the season.
"I was very disappointed by Leslie's actions and he knows this," Williams said. "He has suffered the consequences of his actions and I hope he has learned a lesson that I also hope his teammates recognize."
Again, McDonald starting will still be in question for tonight's game against Texas, especially how well the Tar Heels have been playing recently.
But there certainly has to be a little sigh of relief for the Tar Heel faithful receiving this news.