Posted Wednesday, Nov. 23, 11:49 p.m. The GW Athletic Department will withhold senior Pops Mensah-Bonsu for the first three regular season games due to what it termed inadvertent violations of NCAA rules, according to a GW Athletic Department news release.

The 6-foot-9 London native will not be able to play due to “miscommunications that occurred during last spring surrounding the 2005 NBA Draft and tryout,” according to the news release.

The University worked with the NCAA to reach the decision to sit Mensah-Bonsu for games against Kennesaw State, Norfolk State and St. Francis (Pa.). GW played Kennesaw State Wednesday night, and will play Norfolk Saturday at the Smith Center.

Coach Karl Hobbs was hesitant to comment on the forward’s situation.

“I have no other comment other than the fact that I think when guys put their names in the draft, some of the rules need more clarity,” Hobbs said. “I’ll just leave it at that”

The University said it intends to re-examine its policies regarding any future early entry candidates to the NBA Draft.

“We regret the situation occurred, and I am sure that Pops will make many special contributions to the team this year,” Director of Athletics Jack Kvancz said in the news release.