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Iowa State basketball kicks starter Caleb Grill from team for ‘failing to meet program expectations’ as 22-year-old ‘regrets’ comments that led to his release… but mystery remains over what was said
Iowa State basketball player Caleb Grill was cut from the Cyclones team for “not meeting program expectations.”
Grill ‘said something’ that has since ‘cost’ him the opportunity to finish his basketball career at his home state high school. His dismissal was announced on Wednesday.
It’s unclear exactly what comments he made. Grill hasn’t specified what he said, nor has coach TJ Otzelberger.
The 22-year-old was the Cyclones’ third leading scorer and the leading 3-point shooter by percentage.
“We hold our players to high standards and there are expectations that our student-athletes are held accountable to,” Iowa State head coach TJ Otzelberger said in a statement.
Caleb Grill has been kicked off the Iowa State basketball team for comments he “regrets”
Grill is averaging 9.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in 25 games for the Cyclones this season. He led the team with 36.8 percent shooting from behind the 3-point line.
“Unfortunately, I said something that I regret and that has cost me the opportunity to finish my dream at Iowa State.” Gill wrote as part of a lengthy statement on social media.
“I hope all the players and fans of Iowa State can find forgiveness in their hearts.”
“One day, when I’m brave enough, I hope I can share my story about my mental health and my mental illness that I’ve been struggling with all season.”
“While everyone was commenting on the hair or funny actions on the court, it was a way to get out of that state of mind and feel like myself instead of the dark place I’ve been in this season.
“If it wasn’t for the love and support of the family network back home… I’m not sure I would be alive and make a decision that would have affected so many people’s lives.”
Iowa State (17-12, 8-9 Big 12) has lost four in a row and sits sixth in the conference. The Cyclones finish their regular season Saturday at No. 7 Baylor.
Otzelberger originally recruited Grill at South Dakota State, but later took the UNLV job. Grill played for Iowa State in 2019-20, transferring to UNLV for one season before following Otzelberger back to Ames ahead of the 2021-22 season.
Grill was brought to Ames by coach TJ Otzelberger after his time at UNLV and South Dakota.
Prior to his removal from the team, Grill was the third leading scorer for the Cyclones 17-12.