Missouri Forward Won't Play in SEC Tournament Because He Hasn't Paid His Rent

Tony Criswell is a reserve who hasn’t played much lately for Missouri, and he certainly won’t be playing this week at the SEC Tournament in Atlanta. You see, Criswell is way behind on rent off campus – over $2,000 – and Frank Haith told the media that “he’s got some things he’s got to take care of back in Columbia.”

So Criswell – averaging a modest 3.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game – won’t travel with the Tigers. On the surface, no big deal. He hasn’t had a double figure scoring game this calendar year, and he’s been passed in the rotation by other players. But this can’t be good news for Missouri, which is squarely on the NCAA Tournament bubble and must beat Texas A&M Thursday to stay there. A win against the Aggies – whom Missouri barely beat last week at home – would lead to a showdown with a Florida and potentially a win-and-in situation.

Missouri played Florida tough on the road in January before losing; Criswell fouled out in 11 minutes. But who wants to go into the most important two games of the season with a shorter bench? Injuries, a triple overtime game against Texas A&M, foul trouble … I’m sure the team is thrilled Criswell hasn’t paid his rent.