Missouri guard Michael Dixon’s suspension remains a mystery and has left a hole in Tigers’ backcourt

Missouri misses Michael Dixon badly and there appears to be no end in sight to the suspension keeping him off the basketball court.

Coach Frank Haith suspended Dixon on Oct. 26 for unspecified violation of team rules and Haith has said little about Dixon and his future since. Haith said he brought Dixon on the team's trip to the Bahamas for the Battle 4 Atlantis to make sure Dixon feels the pain of not playing, but he provided no further clues about the cause or length of the suspension.

At least the fact that Haith is continuing to take advantage of teachable moments with Dixon indicates there is hope he might return at some point this season, but when is a mystery. The reality is the decision might not be Haith's to make.

No. 2 Louisville clobbered Missouri on Friday while the reigning Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year watched from the end of the bench in street clothes. The Tigers made just four of 19 3 pointers. Through the first five games this season, the Tigers are shooting just .419 overall, down from .504 last season and they're making .369 from behind the arc, compared with .398 last season.

Dixon could help with perimeter shooting. He made 49 percent of his shots last season and 37 percent of his 3-point attempts.
Dixon tweeted after the game praising his teammates' effort while also defending himself. The posting was later deleted.

"Our team fought hard. I wish I could b out there helping them. I'VE DONE NOTHING WRONG! Nobody is going to feel sorry for us tommorow. #VCU."

The Columbia Tribune reported Dixon's future might now rest in the hands of the school's chancellor, but no one has reported anything specific about what rules Dixon violated.

Dixon's former teammate, Kim English, who now plays for the Detroit Pistons, used his Twitter account to offer support for Dixon.

"Michael has handled this situation w/nothing but poise, class and professionalism. Would be awesome if his University would do the same," English posted.

Dixon's absence has put increased pressure on Phil Pressey who already carries much of the burden for creating in the Tigers' offense. Pressey has been up to the challenge for the most part to this point. He leads the team in scoring, 3-pointers made and steals. He also has four times as many assists as any of his teammates.

The Tigers also are eager to get Oregon transfer Jabari Brown on the court with Dixon in limbo. Brown's won't be eligible until mid-December at the semester break.

Kyle Ringo covers Colorado and the Pac-12 for the Daily Camera in Boulder. Follow Kyle on Twitter @KyleRingo