A district court judge ruled today that Bubu Palo is temporarily allowed to participate as a member of the Iowa State men’s basketball team pending the outcome of further court proceedings. Palo had been charged with second-degree sexual abuse, but the charges were later dropped. He rejoined the team, but ISU president Steven Leath later said Palo should not be allowed to play basketball.
ISU athletic director Jamie Pollard issued this statement on the case:
“We are disappointed to learn of the district court judge’s decision to reinstate Bubu Palo to our basketball team,” Pollard said. “We believe the university should have the sole right and responsibility to determine any student’s participation in extracurricular activities at Iowa State University.”
ISU pointed out in releasing Pollard’s statement that a final hearing date has not been determined in the case.