The GW Athletic Department will withhold senior Pops Mensah-Bonsu for the first three regular season games due to inadvertent violations of NCAA rules, according to a 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 a news release.

The University worked with the NCAA to come to reach the decision to sit Mensah-Bonsu for games against Kennesaw State, Norfolk State and St. Francis (PA).

“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 a news release.

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