Staff Report
Embattled UNM post Patrick Dennehy, who walked off the court during the final three minutes of the men’s basketball team’s 47-44 road loss to the Air Force Academy, is being treated for a confidential medical condition, according to University officials.
Dennehy remains with the team as usual and will not face a suspension despite an altercation with guards Tim Lightfoot, Eric Chatfield and Ruben Douglas in the final minutes of the game.
Dennehy argued with the guards, shoving several out of the way before heading to the locker room prematurely with trainer Dave Binder. He was not in the locker room after the game with his teammates, who Fraschilla later said were disappointed with his absence.
“Patrick Dennehy is currently being treated for a confidential medical condition,” team physicial Dr. Bob Schenck said in an Athletics Department statement. “I cannot provide any further details.”
UNM head coach Fran Fraschilla, who is away on a recruiting trip until Tuesday, downplayed the situation by saying he was not planning to play Dennehy in the final minutes anyway. Dennehy scored four points and grabbed eight rebounds, with seven coming in the first seven minutes of the game.
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He said in a news release that he is supporting Dennehy as he deals with the condition.
“This is not a disciplinary matter, rather it is a situation that involves Patrick’s well being,” he said. “He remains a member of the Lobo basketball team in good standing. We expect him to practice this week and participate in our upcoming games at BYU and Utah.”
The statement added that Dennehy will not comment further on the matter.
“My family and I appreciate everyone respecting our request for privacy,” Dennehy said. “We also appreciate the support of the University and Coach Fraschilla.”
The release went on to say that University officials, including the Lobo coaching staff and student-athletes, will have no further comment on the matter.
Dennehy averages 10 points, 7.5 boards and 27 minutes per game.
Compounding UNM’s inside problems, freshman post Jamaal Williams is listed as doubtful for the Lobos’ next two games at Brigham Young University Saturday and University of Utah Monday. Williams is being treated for a possible stress fracture in his right tibia. He has played in all 22 games this season, starting the last two. He is averaging 8.5 points and 5.4 rebounds a game.
