5-Star Freshman SF Brian Bowen Won't Play for Louisville, Will Transfer

The University of Louisville announced Wednesday that suspended 5-star freshman small forward Brian Bowen will not play for the school's basketball team.

According to Jeff Greer of the Louisville Courier-Journal, the school also announced it will allow Bowen to seek a transfer if he so chooses. Bowen's attorney Jason Setchen later confirmed as much, stating via Adam Zagoria of Zagsblog.com, “Brian looks to complete this semester at UL and then seek an opportunity to play elsewhere.”

Per ESPN's Jeff Goodman, a source indicated Louisville did not seek reinstatement for Bowen prior to Wednesday's decision.

According to Justin Sayers and Darcy Costello of the Louisville Courier-Journal, Bowen was suspended in September after an FBI probe alleged that a Louisville recruit's family was paid $100,000 to commit to Louisville.

That player was believed to be Bowen.

The probe led to Rick Pitino's ouster as Louisville's head coach before being replaced by David Padgett.

According to Greer, Bowen remains on scholarship at Louisville, but he is not permitted to practice with the team.

Louisville interim athletic director Vince Tyra released a statement regarding Bowen, saying, "Brian has been a responsible young man for the institution since he enrolled. He has endeared himself to his teammates and the men's basketball staff with a positive attitude during a very difficult period."

Per 247Sports, Bowen is a native of La Porte, Indiana, who was rated as the No. 19 overall player, No. 5 small forward and No. 2 recruit in his state in the class of 2017.