Iowa State Kicks Leading Scorer Mike Taylor Off Team

AMES, Iowa (AP) _ Iowa State dismissed suspended guard Mike Taylor, the Cyclones' leading scorer last season, after a series of legal troubles. <br/><br/>``Mike and I sat down at the beginning of the

Thursday, July 19th 2007, 8:40 pm

By: News On 6

AMES, Iowa (AP) _ Iowa State dismissed suspended guard Mike Taylor, the Cyclones' leading scorer last season, after a series of legal troubles.

``Mike and I sat down at the beginning of the summer and clearly defined the expectations that he needed to meet in order to remain a member of this basketball team,'' coach Greg McDermott said in a written statement. ``Unfortunately, Mike fell short of the goals that were set for him.''

McDermott didn't specify why he removed Taylor from the team.

Taylor, who was suspended from the team following an incident in March, was charged with a vehicle registration violation on June 18, according to Story County court records. He was found guilty Monday, and fined $69.80 in fines and court costs.

It was Taylor's third brush with authorities this year.

Taylor was arrested in March and charged with vandalizing an on-campus apartment building. Taylor pleaded guilty on June 4 to fifth-degree criminal mischief.

He was cited in April for shoplifting a bottle of cold medicine from an Ames convenience store. He pleaded guilty to a charge of fifth-degree theft.

Taylor spent one season at Iowa State after transferring from Chipola College (Fla.), and quickly became Iowa State's main option on offense. He earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors, leading Iowa State with 16 points and 4.5 assists a game.

Iowa State finished a surprising 15-16 last season, McDermott's first in Ames.

``I had a great experience at Iowa State,'' Taylor said in a statement released by the school. ``I appreciated all of the fan support and the opportunity to play in front of Hilton Coliseum. However, due to circumstances I got myself into, it is in my best interest to further my education and basketball opportunities at another school.''

Taylor's departure is a blow to the Cyclones, who will open the season with two new starters in the backcourt for the second straight season. McDermott signed four guards _ Diante Garrett, Lucca Staiger, Charles Boozer and Marcus Brister _ in his 2007-08 recruiting class.