By Otis Kirk
Special to the News-Times
Arkansas' basketball team will hold its annual Red-White game tonight at 7 p.m. in Bud Walton Arena and they have regained the services of a player who has been suspended.
Arkansas coach Mike Anderson announced on Thursday during a press conference that part of the discipline against senior forward Arlando Cook has been lifted.
"His suspension has been lifted as far as team activities and practice," Anderson said. "He's able to do that, but still suspended from playing in games. So that's moving forward. He started practice yesterday.
"So I'm comfortable with that as we continue to get the facts rolling in what has taken place. He's still suspended from playing. That won't be determined until obviously the case against him is hopefully resolved."
Cook was involved in a fight on Dickson Street on the early morning hours of Saturday, Sept. 2. He was charged with first-degree assault, public intoxication and disorderly conduct. It was his second arrest in a year. Cook will play in tonight's Red-White contest because it's basically considered a scrimmage.
True freshman guard Khalil Garland won't participate in the game tonight. Garland is still undergoing some health issues that have prevented him from getting on the floor.
"Khalil is still not practicing at this point in time," Anderson said. "Not in the competition part of it, but still participating in some things we're doing. Everybody else is ready to go forward."
The rosters for the teams were also released on Thursday with former El Dorado standout Daniel Gafford tabbed for the White team.
"Daniel, as I said, there are days that he looks like the best player out there and there are days he looks like not the best player out there. You can see the potential there," Anderson said.
Last season, Arkansas finished 26-10 overall and 12-6 in the SEC. They were tied for third in the SEC.