“It’s dealing with myself,” Riley said. “It’s kind of evaluate some things. And I don’t have a definite date, but of course I’d love to be on the sideline and coaching, but I also just got to take care of what needs to be taken care of.”
“It had nothing to do with Alcorn, it had nothing to do with my team. It’s a personal leave of absence that’s directly relegated to me,” Riley said. “I appreciate the administration. It happened at a tough time (in the season), but, you know, things happen.”
The former Provine coach is in his fourth year with the Braves (2-12, 1-1 SWAC) and missed the last few games.
The school released a statement: “Assistant men’s basketball coach Shawn Pepp will lead the Alcorn Braves during coach Luther Riley’s leave of absence.”
The Braves are coming off a 68-62 win over Prairie View A&M and visit in-state rival Jackson State on Saturday (5 pm.).
“They (the team) understand that things happen,” Riley said. “They accepted it… But certainly it’s not easy. It’s not easy. But you have to do what you have to do at the time.”
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