Tidbits from Howland press conference

On Reeves Nelson and what prompted the suspension:
“I’m hoping it’s a teachable moment. his behavior on the bench Saturday was totally against what UCLA basketball and our program stands for. We’ll see. I met with him this morning after his first final and we will talk again later in the week.”

On Nelson being kicked off the team for good:
“That’s conjecture. we’ll wait and see what happens.”

On why he hasn’t reached the final straw:
“These kids aren’t professional athletes. They’re college kids. I try very hard to try to work with each kid. But as it affects and reflects the program and the team as a whole. There’s a point where enough is enough. A are we there at this point yet, we’ll see.”

On the situation being a distraction:
“There’s no question it has. It’s been very difficult. Definitely a distraction and we don’t need any distractions. It’s tough enough to come together without being distracted.”

On the players reaction to Nelson:
“It’s a tough situation for them. They’re very close with Reeves off the floor. On the floor, sometimes he will lose his cool or lose his head. It’s a different situation on and off the floor.”