By Jamie Plunkett
Frogs Today senior writer
(This story has been updated from its original version)
KANSAS CITY – What originally seemed straightforward has taken a turn, now that Eddie Lampkin Jr. has taken to social media.
Lampkin posted screenshots of an apparent text message conversation between TCU head coach Jamie Dixon and Lampkin’s mother, Vanessa Lampkin, that reveal accusations of mistreatment and racial remarks. You can see pictures of the screenshots below.
Dixon spoke to the media following TCU’s practice on Wednesday afternoon, noting that he learned Lampkin would not be joining the team on their trip to Kansas City on Tuesday morning. The team left later that day.
“We wish him the best, I love him,” Dixon said. “That’s a Horned Frog. Love him, so that’s how it is.”
When asked about Lampkin’s post on Instagram, Dixon noted that he had not seen it yet and declined to comment.
“I haven’t seen it,” Dixon said. “No comment on it.”
———————————–
(Original report)
Eddie Lampkin Jr. has stepped away from TCU basketball to deal with personal matters, team officials confirmed to Frogs Today on Wednesday.
Lampkin did not travel with the team to Kansas City, as the Frogs prepare for the Big 12 Conference tournament, which kicks off Wednesday evening.
TCU’s tournament run begins Thursday night at 8:30 p.m., against 3-seed Kansas State.
The sophomore missed time earlier this season for personal reasons as well.
Lampkin has started 51 games over the past two seasons for the Horned Frogs, averaging 5.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game over the course of his career.
Lampkin had been dealing with ankle issues for the bulk of conference play this year, after suffering a high ankle sprain in the first half of TCU’s 83-60 win over Kansas on January 21st.
He has also been dealing with another injury that kept him out in TCU’s regular season finale against Oklahoma.
In his multiple absences since, Xavier Cork and JaKobe Coles have been called upon to play significant minutes at center. While both have been effective offensively, TCU has struggled defensively and on the boards – two staples of their game that coach Jamie Dixon and his staff have emphasized for years.
This is a developing story, and we will keep you updated.
Jamie Plunkett, jamie@frogstoday.com
