Darius Paul dismissed from Illini in wake of European trip arrest

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About a week after Darius Paul was arrested in France and sent home from the Illini's European trip, Paul has been dismissed from the team.

Head coach John Groce announced Paul's dismissal Friday night, about a week after saying that Paul's status with the program would be evaluated when the Illini returned home.

"After further review of the situation, Darius has been dismissed from our team," Groce said in the announcement. "Although his playing days here are over, we are committed to helping him move forward."

Paul was reportedly arrested in France and charged with vandalism, public intoxication and resisting arrest. Due to an injury, Paul was not playing in games on the trip.

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Paul's arrest last weekend followed his arrest in spring 2014, for which he was suspended for the entirety of the 2014-15 season. He played at a junior college in Texas before rejoining the Illini this offseason.

Paul, a Gurnee native and Warren Township High School product, originally transferred to Illinois following the 2012-13 season, during which he was the MAC Freshman of the Year for his efforts at Western Michigan. He sat out the 2013-14 season per NCAA transfer rules.

The loss of Paul is the second unexpected loss of a key player for the Illini this offseason. Starting point guard Tracy Abrams tore his Achilles earlier this summer, knocking him out for the second straight season. Paul was expected to play a big role in the Illinois frontcourt this season.

Paul is the younger brother of former Illini star Brandon Paul. The younger Paul spent two seasons preparing to play for the Illini, though after this latest incident, he will have never played a game in orange and blue.

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