Tucker on pace for Iowa reinstatement

IOWA CITY - Sophomore Anthony Tucker is back in Iowa City and meeting his requirements so he can rejoin the Iowa men's basketball team, Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter said Thursday.

Tucker, 20, was suspended indefinitely Dec. 20 after he was arrested for public intoxication following an incident with a taxicab driver. It was his second alcohol-related offense, which triggered an automatic suspension. Tucker also needs to complete a full alcoholism assessment and 30 hours of community service.

“He's making progress toward his requirements as far as the university and athletic department,” Lickliter said. “I know he's making progress in that regard, so he's closer to being reinstated.”

Tucker missed the entire second semester last year after he was academically ineligible. That's not a problem this year for him, Lickliter said.

Tucker is not allowed to practice until his department issues are cleared up, per Lickliter's rules.

“My policy has always been until you fulfill your responsibilities then I'm not going to allow to practice until that's done,” Lickliter said. “That's been my stand forever. I believe it's the right way to go about it. I think you need to strictly focus on getting responsibilities you have before you move on to the court again.”

There's not timetable on Tucker's return. He averaged 11.6 points a game and started the team's first 11 games before his suspension. Iowa sophomore Matt Gatens, who is Tucker's roommate, said he wants Tucker to return as quickly as possible.

“I would hope so and I would love that, but I don't know what the administration is going to decide,” Gatens said.