Basketball guard released from hospital

Stefhon Hannah was injured in an altercation Sunday morning.

By Allie Blood and Sam Wilson

Published Jan. 28, 2008

MU Basketball Guard Stefhon Hannah was released this morning after being hospitalized for a jaw injury resulting from an altercation outside of Athena Night Club at 1100 Locust St. on Sunday morning.

Police reports indicate that Hannah was leaving the bar when he witnessed a disturbance, and became involved shortly after.

“When the police arrived, an individual told them that there was someone laying unconscious on the sidewalk,” Columbia Police Department Captain Zim Schwartze said.

According to Schwartze, the police called the paramedics, and Hannah was taken to University Hospital. An MU sports department news release stated he had surgery to reconstruct his broken jaw and will be unable to play for four to six weeks.

Hannah was released today and, according to junior guard Matt Lawrence, is in Chicago with his family. According to Coach Mike Anderson, the team is currently collecting facts about the incident and has not made a decision regarding punishment.

“Right now our first concern is his health,” Anderson said.

With Hannah out, the other guards on the team can expect more playing time. But sophomore guard J.T. Tiller said it will not be too much of an adjustment.

“It’s hard, but it’s not too difficult, because in practice, people go down every day,” Tiller said. “So, we just have to adjust and people just have to step up. We have the personnel to do it, so it won’t be too difficult.”

Sophomore guard Keon Lawrence is expected to replace the bulk of Hannah’s production.

“His game mirrors Stefhon the most,” Matt Lawrence said. “He’s able to get to the basket off the dribble, finish with his left hand like Stefhon. He’s going to also have some of the point guard duties.”