Nevada player beaten unconscious at party kicked off team

RENO, Nev. -- A Nevada basketball player, who was beaten unconscious and robbed at a Halloween party where three people were shot to death, has been kicked off the team because he had been told not to go out that night, Wolf Pack coach Mark Fox said Tuesday night.

Tyrone Hanson, a 6-foot-6 sophomore forward from New York, was severely beaten early Sunday at a Reno home where a fight erupted and resulted in the triple homicide. He was treated and released from a hospital.

Fox said Hanson already had been held out of a scrimmage on Saturday for violating team rules.

"He again violated our policy by going out socially that evening while he had been directed not to," Fox said. "Tyrone and other student-athletes in attendance did not break the law, but Tyrone understands the high standard of behavior that is expected in our program."

Hanson said in a statement released by the university Tuesday night that he understood the decision and wanted to extend his sympathy to the three victims.

"I have enjoyed my time here at Nevada and I am sad to see it come to an end. I want to thank Coach Fox for helping me understand what it means to be a man," he said.

A brother of Nevada senior offensive lineman Charles Manu is one of two suspects who have been charged in connection with the case.

Nevada football coach Chris Ault confirmed earlier that some of his football players attended the party but he didn't anticipate any would face disciplinary action.

Nevada athletic director Cary Groth said Tuesday night she supported Fox's decision. She said it was up to individual coaches to set policies for their teams.

The fatal shootings at a home rented by university students were prompted by a party crasher who bumped into Hanson while dancing and later beat him and stole his wallet, Reno police said.

Last season, Hanson played in 30 games, all in a reserve role for Nevada, averaging 1.6 points and 1.0 rebounds in 8.1 minutes per game. He was one of nine returning letter-winners on the team. Hanson graduated from St. Mary's High in Manhasset, N.Y., and then attended Bridgton Academy of North Bridgton, Maine.

Fox said he specifically told Hanson not to go out Saturday night, but Groth said it was her understanding Fox sent that message to the squad.

"I think he had asked the team to stay in Saturday night," she told reporters at a news conference.