College basketball has had its share of drama, especially when it comes to player suspensions. From academic scandals to on-court altercations, these suspensions have left fans buzzing and debating for years.
Let’s dive into the top 10 most controversial college basketball player suspensions of all time!
10. Josh Selby’s Nine-Game NCAA Suspension
Kansas Jayhawks fans eagerly awaited the debut of five-star recruit Josh Selby in 2010, only to have the NCAA hit him with a nine-game suspension. The reason? Improper benefits received from a family friend, leading to debates about the NCAA’s definition of “family friend.”
9. Chris Webber and the Ed Martin Scandal
As a member of Michigan’s famed “Fab Five,” Chris Webber’s involvement in a booster scandal rocked college basketball. Accepting over $200,000 from booster Ed Martin led to vacated wins and a 10-year disassociation from the program, leaving fans questioning the integrity of college athletics.
8. De’Anthony Melton’s Season-Long Suspension
USC’s De’Anthony Melton sat out the entire 2017-2018 season due to his connection to the NCAA corruption scandal. Despite no direct evidence of his involvement, the precautionary suspension sparked debates about fairness and the impact on a player’s future.
7. Collin Sexton’s One-Game Suspension
Alabama’s star freshman, Collin Sexton, was sidelined for the 2017 season opener due to eligibility concerns linked to the FBI’s investigation into college basketball corruption. The brief suspension left fans and analysts pondering the NCAA’s inconsistent disciplinary actions.
6. Sherman White’s Lifetime Ban
In the early 1950s, LIU’s Sherman White was on track for an NBA career before being implicated in a point-shaving scandal. His lifetime ban from the NBA serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of gambling-related activities in college sports.
5. Terrence Williams and Moussa Diabate’s One-Game Suspensions
Michigan forwards Terrance Williams and Moussa Diabate were each suspended for one game following an altercation during a game against Wisconsin in 2022. The incident highlighted the intensity of college rivalries and the NCAA’s stance on sportsmanship.
4. Jalen Weaver and Zaon Collins’ Suspensions Amid Gambling Investigation
In 2025, Fresno State’s Jalen Weaver and Zaon Collins were suspended amid an investigation into potential gambling-related wrongdoing. The scandal underscored the ongoing challenges of maintaining integrity in collegiate athletics.
3. James White and New Orleans’ Gambling Probe
The University of New Orleans faced scrutiny in 2025 when leading scorer James White and other top players were benched amid a gambling investigation. The suspensions raised alarms about the vulnerability of college athletes to betting scandals.
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2. Zayden High’s Mysterious Removal from UNC Roster
UNC’s Zayden High was unexpectedly removed from the roster in 2024 due to undisclosed off-the-court issues, leading to rampant speculation among fans and media. The lack of transparency fueled debates about privacy and public interest in collegiate sports.
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1. Fresno State’s 2025 Gambling Scandal
Fresno State’s men’s basketball program was rocked in 2025 by a gambling investigation that led to the suspension of key players. The controversy highlighted the persistent issue of gambling in college sports and its impact on team integrity.
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