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Kendrick Nunn becomes fourth Illini player arrested in 8 months

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- University of Illinois guard Kendrick Nunn was jailed Thursday on suspicion of domestic battery after turning himself in to police, the latest of several recent allegations of misconduct by members of the school's basketball program.

Champaign police spokeswoman Laeisha Meaderds said Nunn was accused of striking a woman during a domestic dispute Wednesday afternoon at a home near campus. She said the woman's injury was minor.

Nunn was due in court Friday. Meaderds was not sure if Nunn had an attorney. The Champaign County state's attorney's office did not respond to telephone calls seeking more information about Nunn's arrest. However, Champaign County court records indicate Nunn was placed on a year's court supervision and fined $550 after pleading guilty on Tuesday to driving with a suspended license earlier this year.

Illinois Athletics Director Josh Whitman and head coach John Groce said in a joint statement that Nunn has been suspended indefinitely from all team-related activities pending legal proceedings and an investigation into the allegations of domestic battery.

"Once again, we encourage everyone to allow the legal process to work before passing judgment," the statement said. "Obviously, yesterday's event is the latest in a series of conduct issues involving our men's basketball team. We are working diligently to ensure that our men's basketball team is representative of the high ideals that we uphold in Illinois Athletics."

Whitman on March 5 gave Groce a vote of confidence and assured he'd be back next season.

Nunn's arrest follows three other Illinois player arrests since last summer. Junior Jaylon Tate pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor domestic abuse after his arrest Saturday. The team suspended Tate from the team Saturday after he was accused of striking his girlfriend in the face. The junior from Chicago pleaded not guilty Monday to misdemeanor domestic battery.

Illinois forward Leron Black pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault last month, and Darius Paul was kicked off the team last summer for misconduct during a team trip.

Nunn played in 28 games last season, averaging a little more than 15 points and five rebounds.