Ellison Going To New Mexico St.

Former Washington State basketball player Donminic Ellison is transferring to New Mexico State for his senior season, the Aggies announced this week.

The 5-foot-10 point guard averaged 10.6 points and five assists per game for WSU last season, but was essentially removed from the team this summer by coach Kevin Eastman after Ellison was charged with possession of marijuana and two other misdemeanors. The charges stem from an April traffic stop in Pullman. New Mexico State coach Neil McCarthy told the Albuquerque Journal he was unaware of the extent of Ellison’s legal situation - a situation that could land the player in jail for several days.

“All I heard about was some driver’s license thing,” McCarthy said. “He’s already signed the papers, so we can’t change anything. Everyone in life is entitled to make a mistake… . We think he’s a good kid.”

Ellison’s case is expected to be resolved when he appears Friday in Whitman County District Court, according to Pullman attorney John Snyder, who represents Ellison. Snyder has advised Ellison, 20, to refrain from comment on the case.

According to Snyder, Ellison will admit to driving with a suspended license, make what amounts to a no-contest plea over an obstruction charge and enter into a contract with the state that could lead to acquittal on the marijuana charge. A plea of guilty to the suspended-license charge would violate terms of Ellison’s probation on a previous conviction for being a minor in possession of alcohol, Snyder said.

Ellison, who must sit out one year under NCAA transfer rules, joins a program that has earned an outlaw reputation. In July, the program was placed on three years’ probation for transgressions involving academic fraud, recruiting violations, transfer eligibility and institutional control.

As part of its punishment, the program had two scholarships revoked for this season. , DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo