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JUNE 25, 2001

His chances may be slim, but former University of Minnesota basketball star Russell Archambault is hoping he'll be drafted by the NBA on June 27.

Archambault, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of South Dakota, played on the school's Final Four team in 1997. But a year later, he was kicked off by Coach Clem Haskins for breaking curfew rules.

Archambault believes he was singled out for the punishment. He also believes his race played a factor.

Archambault was a key figure in an academic scandal involving Haskins. Tutors were alleged to have written papers for players and Haskins was said to have given them money.

(One of the tutors, identified as an American Indian woman, had all charges dropped against her last September. Haskins had admitted giving her $3,000.)

Archambault transferred to Huron University in South Dakota in 1999. He was named the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division II Player of the Year last year.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is considering buying Huron University.

Get the Story:
Russell Archambault Still Fleeing Stereotypes (The New York Times 6/24)
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Relevant Links:
Huron University - http://www.huron.edu

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Mont. coach apologizes for comments (6/25)
Indian athletes often ignored (6/18)
Charges against Indian woman dismissed (9/26)