Miami G McClinton to play vs. Kentucky

Dec 4, 2008 - 6:12 PM CORAL GABLES, Florida (Ticker) -- Miami guard Jack McClinton has been cleared to play in the Hurricanes' upcoming game against Kentucky, the Atlantic Coast Conference announced Thursday.

McClinton, Miami's leading scorer, was ejected from Tuesday's game against Ohio State for slapping Buckeyes' guard Anthony Crater.

After reviewing video of the game, the ACC determined that no further action will be taken against McClinton, thus the senior will be available Saturday when the Hurricanes face Kentucky.

"Jack is absolutely a leader and valued member of this team," Miami coach Frank Haith said. "He's a young man of high character who reacted inappropriately and has paid the price. Now we will move forward an re-focus on men's basketball and out upcoming game at Kentucky."

McClinton was ejected midway through the first half of Tuesday's 73-68 loss after the officials reviewed the play in which he swung at Crater.

McClinton had gotten the ball on the left wing before Crater forced him to pass it after bumping him while defending closely. Following a pass back to the top of the key, McClinton swiped at Crater - apparently poking him in the eye - right in front of Ohio State coach Thad Matta.

With his defender dazed, McClinton sank a 3-pointer from the wing, giving Miami a 19-7 lead.

With Matta protesting the lack of a call, the officiating crew went to the scorer's table after the basket to review the play and met with both coaches before ejecting McClinton for the flagrant foul.

The 6-1 McClinton has averaged 15.2 points in six games this season for the Hurricanes (4-2).