Caleb Grill, a senior guard at Iowa State, has been kicked off the team right before March Madness.
Grill, who averaged 9.5 points in 31.3 minutes per game this season, was kicked off for an unspecified violation of team standards.
Within the conclusion of a lengthy statement, Grill wrote that he “said something I regret.”
“We hold our players to high standards and there are expectations that our student-athletes are held accountable for,” Iowa State head coach T.T. Otzelberger said in an announcement.
Otzelberger spoke to reporters on Thursday and pledged his support for Grill going forward.
Grill expressed gratitude for this system in an extended message on Twitter.
“I’m very grateful to Iowa State University for the last 4 years of my life,” Grill tweeted.
“With the ability to play in Hilton Coliseum was a dream I’ve had since I used to be 13 years old. Every moment I’ve had at Iowa State has been the most effective blessing I actually have ever received in college. I cannot thank the support network from Iowa State and the fan base for truly being among the best fan bases within the country.”
Iowa State is 17-12 this season and ESPN’s Joe Lunardi has them as a “lock” to make the NCAA Tournament.
Grill thanked former Cyclones head coach Steve Prohm for bringing him into this system, and Otzelberger for giving him playing time after replacing Prohm in 2021.
“Nothing will ever take away the moments we made in that arena, especially beating Iowa by Iowa State’s largest margin of victory within the rivalry’s history,” Grill said, referencing a 73-53 Cyclones victory last season.
He continued to thank teammates and family and discuss how passionate he has been in regards to the Iowa State program since he was a child.
At the top, he expressed his regrets with the situation.
“Unfortunately, I said something that I regret which has cost me the chance to complete out my dream at Iowa State,” he wrote.
“I hope that each one the players and Iowa State fans can find it of their hearts to forgive me,” Grill said. “Ultimately, I would like to remembered as a Cyclone irrespective of what my next step is.
“I really like Ames and I really like Iowa State and I’ll hopefully grow to be a booster or donor some day after I become older. I really like each and every one who’s affiliated with Iowa State and I’m proud to be an alumni of this university.”
