Haith suspends Missouri guard Michael Dixon indefinitely

Michael Dixon: a Tiger in the dog house at the moment. (US Presswire)

Michael Dixon may remain on the bench for a while longer.

Missouri's standout sixth-man from a year ago was set to move into the starting lineup, but coach Frank Haith announced he has indefinitely suspended the senior guard, along with freshman Dominique Bull, for violation of team rules.

Haith did not announce the length of the suspension at a news conference on Friday afternoon. Missouri has two exhibition games and then begins the regular-season with the gauntlet that is Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, Alcorn State and Nicholls State. Then the Tigers will head down to the Battle of Atlantic and open with Stanford.

Dixon averaged 13.5 points per game last season and was projected to start alongside junior point guard Phil Pressey.

Dixon's absence could help Haith in terms of keeping everyone happy with playing time. Keion Bell (Pepperdine) and Earnest Ross (Auburn) both led their teams in scoring two years ago and should benefit while Dixon is out. Oregon transfer Jabari Brown, another talented wing, is eligible after the first semester.