About 10 days ago, controversial player Renardo Sidney got into an embarrassing fight with teammate Elgin Bailey during the team’s trip to Hawaii. Both players were suspended indefinitely after the brawl but coach Rick Stansbury has finally reinstated Sidney. Bailey has informed the coach of his desire to transfer, so he will be leaving the program.
The Bulldogs played two games after both players were suspended and lost both of them — an 11-point loss to Hawaii, and a 22-point loss to St. Mary’s. What’s surprising is that Bailey is transferring from the program. He’s been playing at Mississippi State for four seasons and was in the middle of his junior year, so it’s late in his career to be leaving for another program. Either he was disappointed with the amount of playing time he was seeing (nearly 20mpg), or the fight left him uncomfortable in the program.
Mississippi State already took a big chance by recruiting Renardo Sidney and making him a part of the team. It shouldn’t be surprising that they’re standing by him despite the fight, and that could be part of the reason Bailey is leaving. As for Stansbury, with his team at 8-6 and looking quite average, it’s no surprise he wants his most talented player back.
