Sports

Wisconsin swing offense music to Bo Ryan’s ears

Two years after a sexual assault charge tossed a roadblock in his young career, Iowa swingman Pierre Pierce might be in trouble again.

The Des Moines Register reported Monday local police are currently investigating the Hawkeye standout in connection with an alleged incident reported Friday in West Des Moines. According to police reports, a break-in late last Thursday night at the Bridgewood Point apartment complex left hundreds of dollars of furniture and electronics destroyed.

Investigators are looking into possible charges of burglary, false imprisonment and assault with the intent to commit injury. Police have filed no charges as of yet, nor has the identity of the victim been officially released.

As of Monday night, officials with the West Des Moines police department declined to comment on the incident but will be available to field questions Tuesday.

Sources with The Daily Iowan told the Herald that Pierce practiced with the team Monday and has not yet been ruled out for the Hawkeyes’ matchup with Michigan State in Iowa City Saturday.

Charges of third-degree sexual assault led to a plea bargain in which Pierce pled guilty to misdemeanor assault in 2002. The Hawkeyes suspended the then-sophomore for the entirety of the 2002-03 season — although Pierce successfully lobbied for redshirt status and lost no eligibility. The plea bargain also mandated Pierce serve 200 hours of community service.

After fulfilling the terms of the plea bargain, Iowa head coach Steve Alford allowed the dynamic swingman to return to the squad — a controversial decision, even among Hawkeye faithful.

Last season, Pierce hit the court with a vengeance to lead Iowa in scoring with 16.1 points per game. Pierce also chipped in an average of 5.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. Averaging 17.8 points per game so far this season, Pierce currently ranks third among Big Ten scorers and fourth in assists with 4.2.

Pierce was among four players benched by Alford Saturday against Indiana after a disappointing overtime loss to Northwestern earlier in the week. Despite missing the start, Pierce hopped off the bench to tally 25 points in the 72-57 Hawkeye victory.

With the investigation looming over its star player, Iowa enters into a difficult two-week stretch that will see the Hawkeyes square off against Michigan State, Wisconsin and Illinois.

—compiled by staff reports