STARKVILLE – Mississippi State basketball ccoach Rick Stansbury said Monday the suspensions levied to junior forward Elgin Bailey and sophomore forward Renardo Sidney for their altercation in Hawaii on Dec. 23 have been lifted, effective immediately.

The 13th-year coach also said Bailey has asked to be released from the team in order to transfer.

“Elgin told me of his plans to transfer, and we wish him the best as he moves on,” Stansbury said. “Elgin has had to deal with some very tough injuries, but he’s worked very hard to get to where he is now. Wherever he ends up, I hope he’s able to have a lot of success.

Bailey, a native of New Orleans, appeared in 74 games during his career at Mississippi State and recorded 229 points and 161 rebounds to go along with his 44 blocked shots.

Sidney has seen action in two games and is averaging 15.5 points and 4.5 boards.

Sidney and Bailey were involved in a fist fight in the stands during a tournament in Hawaii.

“I’m very embarrassed about what happened,” said Sidney, a Jackson native. “I know how bad it looked on TV and the embarrassment it caused for everyone associated with Mississippi State. I’ve had a lot of time to think about it, and I will learn from this mistake, move forward and become a better man.”