THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Monday, January 2, 1995                TAG: 9501020123
SECTION: SPORTS                   PAGE: C3   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY ED MILLER, STAFF WRITER 
                                             LENGTH: Medium:   51 lines

SPARTANS SUSPEND TOP REBOUNDER NEWBORN'S CONDUCT WAS ``DISRUPTIVE,'' COACH BERNARD SAYS.

Norfolk State's Charles Newborn, the CIAA's leading rebounder last season, has been suspended for ``consistent conduct detrimental to our team concept,'' coach Mike Bernard said.

Newborn, a 6-foot-10 senior, won't be in uniform tonight against Livingstone and likely won't play for Norfolk State again, Bernard said.

``His conduct has been disruptive and detrimental,'' Bernard said. ``He's just in consistent denial.''

The latest confrontation between player and coach came Thursday night, after Norfolk State's 70-68 win over Augusta College in Augusta, Ga. According to Bernard, Newborn disrupted a team meeting after the game, leading to the suspension.

Newborn could not be reached for comment Sunday. During the Augusta tournament, however, he expressed frustration over his playing time.

Newborn had 10 points and nine rebounds when he was removed from Wednesday night's game against the University of the District of Columbia after arguing a foul call early in the second half. He did not return.

Bernard said he wanted to give other players some time. Norfolk State won the game easily, 89-59.

Newborn did not participate in a shootaround before Thursday's game because of an upset stomach. Blitz Wooten started in his place Thursday, although Newborn played 15 minutes off the bench.

Like his idol, Dennis Rodman, Newborn did not look to score much. Instead, he prided himself on his rebounding. He averaged 10.3 rebounds last year, tops in the CIAA, and 8.2 points. He had 29 rebounds against Bowie State, the top single-game performance in Division II last year.

This year, Newborn was averaging 8.2 points and a team-high 10.6 rebounds.

Wooten, a 6-8 transfer from LaSalle, will replace Newborn in the starting lineup. Wooten has been eligible only three games and is averaging four points and six rebounds.

``He's not settled yet,'' Bernard said of Wooten. ``He just has to settle down and he'll be fine.'' ILLUSTRATION: FILE PHOTO

Charles Newborn likely won't play for Norfolk State again, coach

Mike Bernard said.

by CNB