He was arrested on second degree assault charges, but the charges were later changed to second degree wanton endangerment charges.
"What he did was wrong, and I want to apologize to everyone that has been negatively affected and embarrassed by his actions,” Prohm said in a statement Wednesday. It's not representative of our program and the impact we try to make in the community each year.
“Although the impact on our basketball team is something we'll have to work hard to overcome, I support the direction we are taking with this matter. I know we have a good group of young men that will work hard to represent Murray State the right way this season.”
Jackson, of Hammond, LA, pleaded guilty and received a 30-day sentence and 30 days of community service for the incident. He was expected to return to court on Nov. 30, when the judge could alter the plea deal.
If that plea arrangement is honored by the court, he will be allowed to serve his jail time on days when he is not in class at Murray State. He was to be formally sentenced Monday, but that was pushed back to Nov. 13 after circuit judge Dennis Foust recused himself.
“Zay's suspension will remain in effect during the 2012-13 season," Murray State athletics director Allen Ward said. "He will not be allowed to participate in any contests during the upcoming season.
“It is my expectation that Zay will concentrate on getting the help he needs, fulfill the requirements that will be dictated by the court, go above and beyond the necessary steps required to become an exemplary citizen and prove to me and others that he is deserving of this opportunity to remain part of our program and university. Only because of the importance of having an established support structure during this time, I will allow Zay to return to team activities such as practice, study hall and conditioning.”
Jackson averaged 4.9 points per game, 2.3 assists per game and 2.1 rebounds per game for Murray State in 2011-12. He was expected to start for the Racers this season.
