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Buffalo Bulls Basketball: Defending MAC Player of the Year Justin Moss Could be Expelled

By John Parker

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Defending Mid-American Conference Player of the Year Justin Moss and two other members of the Buffalo Bulls men’s basketball team could face expulsion following an alleged theft that took place in June.

Moss, Raheem Johnson and Mory Diane reportedly took $650 from two University of Buffalo football players. Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News first broke the story via Twitter:

Moss, Johnson and Diane performed maintenance for the University at an on-campus apartment complex. On June 2nd, they reportedly gained entry to the victims’ apartment by using a master key from their employer.

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All three players were fired from the job on June 4th. If found guilty, the trio could face a range of punishments that includes a half-season suspension and expulsion.

Moss erupted onto the scene as a junior, averaging 17.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. As a sophomore, he played less than 10 minutes per game while backing up 2014 MAC Player of the Year Javon McCrea.

Last year, he played a pivotal role in bringing Buffalo to its first ever NCAA Tournament. Prior to the alleged theft, Moss earned national media attention for playing through a serious heart condition with the help of an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator.

Mar 14, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Buffalo Bulls forward Justin Moss (23) shoots the ball over Central Michigan Chippewas forward John Simons (34) during the second half of the championship game of the MAC Tournament at Quicken Loans Arena. The Bulls won 89-84. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Following its drought-busting run to the NCAA Tournament, Buffalo suffered several setbacks in the offseason.

First, head coach Bobby Hurley left for Arizona State. Next, second leading scorer Shannon Evans joined Hurley in Tempe.

Incoming junior college recruit Maurice O’Field gave Hurley an instant-impact addition for next year. Finally, former four-star recruit Torian Graham completed the exodus to ASU

Given all the departures, the odds already seemed against first year head coach Nate Oats bringing Buffalo to its second NCAA Tournament appearance in program history.

Even if Moss is able to play this season, the MAC’s bizarre conference tournament layout could all but end Buffalo’s tournament hopes if he misses any significant portion of conference play.

Next: Chris Obekpa Set to Join UNLV Runnin' Rebels

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