Clarke to miss Richmond, Gonzaga games

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Butler officials say Rotnei Clarke, the Butler Bulldogs scoring leader, will miss the next two games due to a neck injury.

Clarke suffered a neck injury during Butler's 79-73 win over Dayton on Saturday. As a result, he will not play against Richmond or Gonzaga.

“Rotnei saw a spine specialist today and based on that visit and his previous examinations, we felt it was in his best interest to hold him out this week,” said Butler Head Athletic Trainer Ryan Galloy. “He is making progress and we will continue to evaluate him.”

Clarke has not yet been cleared for full physical practice and continues to be evaluated by Butler's medical team.

Clarke was hurt when he was fouled on a layup during Saturday's 79-73 victory at Dayton. Clarke said he initially lost feeling below his neck. Eight minutes later, he was taken away on a stretcher and sent to a local hospital. After being released, Clarke returned to Indianapolis with his teammates.

Butler will host conference opponent Richmond on Wednesday, Jan. 16, and then face No. 8 Gonzaga during College Game Day on Saturday, Jan. 19. The game will be nationally televised.