Newly acquired Turner suspended indefinitely by DSU

GREENVILLE — When Delta State travels to Ole Miss Friday, they will be without their only player with SEC experience.
Phil Turner, a senior transfer guard from Mississippi State, has been suspended indefinitely, said DSU coach Jason Conner. WABG-TV broke the news Tuesday evening.
“Right now, the suspension is indefinite, and I just want and need Phil to have the time to take care of his overwhelming circumstances,” said Conner. “He's coming from (a larger university) Mississippi State, some family issues and it's a big time change for him.....I want him to have this time to know where he is with his attitude and work ethic...”
Conner would not go into details as to what brought about the suspension or how long it would last.
According to several sources, an incident at practice may have played a role in the suspension.
“I have the best interest for all parties,” said Conner, although he wouldn't go into detail as of who the “parties” were. “....I never can overlook the ultimate importance of the team and program.....There are so many things that are involved with that.”
Turner spent the last four seasons — one year as a redshirt — at MSU, playing a key role for the Bulldogs. This summer, he decided to transfer to DSU to play his final year of eligibility after his scholarship was not renewed at MSU.
Conner said the transition from a large conference like the SEC to the Division II level Gulf South Conference may have played a role in the suspension.
“This is probably like going from steak and potatoes to chicken fried steak....There is certainly a transition....(But) the team must always come first,” said Conner.
DSU is scheduled to open their season Friday with an exhibition at Ole Miss before playing Mississippi Valley State Nov. 8 at the Washington County Convention Center in Greenville.