That possibility is based on Escalera's second suspension this season by UNT women's coach Shanice Stephens, this one indefinite. UNT losing in Stephens' first season has been bad enough, but a number of players she inherited seem either unwilling or unable to follow her lead. She is tough, no doubt, but UNT players are in no position to call the shots, as they've attempted on more than one occasion.
Stephens either tossed Escalera -- a transfer from Colorado two years ago -- from last Thursday's practice, or Escalera removed herself. Stephens has doled out four suspensions this season to three players. A fifth player, senior Amber Jackson, was told to take a brief powder during preseason workouts. Senior Jo Hall recently returned from an eight-game suspension.
Suspended earlier this season, sophomore forward Brittani Bailey has left the team again for the rest of the season after first-semester grades were posted.
Major house-cleaning on the way for this program.
--Troy Phillips
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