Smith, Zeidaks Dismissed from Mississippi State Basketball Team

STARKVILLE, Miss.  (WCBI/MSU Athletics) — Mississippi State basketball coach Rick Ray announced on Tuesday the dismissal of Shaun Smith and Kristers Zeidaks for repeated violations of team rules.

“This is an unfortunate situation for Shaun, Kris and our team,” said Ray, who will make no further comment regarding this issue. “However, players must be held accountable for their actions. Both will remain on scholarship and have the academic support all our other student-athletes receive. I

Photo by Kerry Smith / AP
MSU’s Shaun Smith (10) has been dismissed along with Kristers Zeidaks for repeated violation of team rules.

wish them the very best moving on with their careers.”

Due to various injuries his first two years with the Bulldogs, Smith appeared in just 34 games, including 10 games this past season. The 6-foot-6 guard from Noxubee County High School averaged 1.0 points and 0.6 rebounds.

Zeidaks, a 6-8 junior guard from Riga, Latvia, never played for MSU due to NCAA eligibility issues.