COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Mickey Mitchell still can't play for the Ohio State basketball team. Thad Matta doesn't know when or if he'll get Mitchell back this season.
Mitchell was ruled ineligible by the NCAA Eligibility Center just before the season started. Mitchell has been practicing with the team, but hasn't played in any of its six games as the Buckeyes have gotten off to a 2-4 start.
Matta did confirm on Friday that Mitchell's situation is not related to academics, and was more outspoken on Friday than he's been at any other point while Ohio State waits for Mitchell's situation to shake itself out.