Top golfer put under indefinite suspension
By Seth Fast Glass
March 17, 2003 9:00 p.m.
Freshman Spencer Levin, UCLA’s highest-ranked golfer, was
suspended indefinitely on March 7 for violating team rules during
the Cleveland Golf Classic.
Head coach O.D. Vincent barred Levin from team practices and
tournaments as a result of multiple violations of team rules. These
violations include breaking a club and sparring with teammates
during that tournament.
Sports Information Director Rich Bertolucci believes the club
was a 4-wood.
“I’m guessing he didn’t break it hitting the
ball,” Bertolucci said.
Vincent declined to comment further on the suspension.
Despite the broken club, Levin still managed a one-under par 70
in a strong final round at the Bruins’ last tournament.
Levin has also been involved in other incidents with teammates
this season.
However, neither Levin nor the UCLA athletic department would
comment on specific physical altercations.
“The mark of a mature golfer is how you control your
anger,” Bertolucci said. “All I will say about Spencer
is that he has tremendous talent.”
Levin has not returned calls for two weeks.
In order to be reinstated, Levin’s teammates will have to
unanimously vote him back on the team.
Due to Levin’s removal from the travelling squad, the
Bruins will field two new faces in their upcoming tournament in
Eugene, Oregon.
According to Bertolucci, senior Sang-Eun Ji and sophomore Steve
Jones will replace Levin in the next tournament.
Jones, a walk-on to the team, will be playing in his first
collegiate event.
