Former Lions forward dismissed from team

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- New Mexico coach Ritchie McKay dismissed transfer forward Aaron Johnson on Sunday, citing an undisclosed violation of team policy.

"All we can do as coaches is to provide an opportunity for young men to achieve their goals,'' McKay said in a statement. "However, when you are working with this age group, sometimes decisions are made that warrant the removal of that opportunity, at least as it exists in our program.''

The 6-foot-9 Johnson, who transferred from Penn State in May, was expected to sit out next season because of NCAA transfer rules. He would have been eligible to play as a senior during the 2006-07 season.

Johnson averaged 9.9 rebounds per game last season, leading the Big Ten. His 24 rebounds in a win over Western Carolina, 20 against Sacred Heart and 21 against Northwestern made him the only NCAA player last season with multiple games of at least 20 rebounds.

"I was looking forward to having Aaron as a part of our team for the next two years, but there is a standard of expectation that we have set for our student-athletes,'' McKay said. "At this time he is unable to meet that standard.''