MINNEAPOLIS- Junior forward Trevor Mbakwe will not be allowed to play for Minnesota until his pending court case on a felony battery charge is cleared up.

Athletics director Joel Maturi announced Monday his decision on Mbakwe's status. Mbakwe faces a December trial for an alleged attack on a woman in Miami in April. His attorney has said he's innocent.

Mbakwe can attend classes, practice and participate in team functions, but Maturi says he won't be able to play for the 25th-ranked Gophers until the legal matter "has been resolved in a satisfactory manner." Mbakwe can't suit up for home games or travel with the team on the road.

Mbakwe spent an injury-plagued freshman season at Marquette. He transferred to a junior college in Miami, then to Minnesota.

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