George Mason men’s basketball sophomores Erik Copes and Vaughn Gray have been suspended for the Patriots first three regular-season games for student-athlete conduct violations. The suspension includes the home-opener against Virginia on November 9, at Bucknell (Nov. 13) and against Mercer (Nov. 16) in the opening game of the Paradise Jam.

Copes averaged 3.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per game coming off the bench as a freshman. Gray played in all but one game his first season.  The student-athletes will practice with the team, but will not dress for games.

Both Copes and Gray will be eligible to play in the second game of the Paradise Jam, a three-game tournament in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.