Ky. Revokes Southall's Scholarship

Wednesday, June 7th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) â€” The University of Kentucky revoked the basketball scholarship of Michael Southall on Wednesday following the Wisconsin prep star's guilty plea to misdemeanor drug charges.

``This is one of the toughest decisions I've ever had to make, but we've chosen to revoke Michael's scholarship because his behavior was detrimental to the program,'' coach Tubby Smith said in a statement.

``We believe he is a young man who has a lot of potential and a lot to look forward to in the future. This move will allow him to pursue other options, and we wish Michael and his family the best.''

The 6-foot-10, 225-pound center, averaged 20.7 points, 13 rebounds and 6.7 blocked shots for West Salem, Wis., High School last season.

He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor marijuana possession charges Tuesday and received a six-month jail sentence that he will not have to serve if he stays out of trouble. He also pleaded guilty to felony marijuana delivery, but under a deferred prosecution agreement, that count will not appear on his record if he fulfills the terms of a two-year probation.

Southall and five others were arrested May 10 after an area restaurant gave authorities an abandoned video camera containing a tape.

According to a criminal complaint, Southall made admissions to investigators after he was confronted with the videotape, which showed him smoking marijuana at a party. When investigators found evidence of marijuana in Southall's car and in his home, he told them he had sold marijuana to other kids his own age in small quantities.