STARKVILLE - Mississippi State coach Rick Ray announced Monday afternoon in his weekly meeting with reporters at Humphrey Coliseum sophomore forward Roquez Johnson has been suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules. 

The suspension is effective immediately, and Johnson won't make the trip to Tuscaloosa for the Bulldogs' game against Alabama on Wednesday (7 p.m., SEC Network). 

" Our problem is just a void of leadership," Ray said. " I think what it is is guys trying to get used to my expectations for them off the court. We all know what their expectations are on the court but it's them trying to figure out what they can get away with. It's a bit of that situation happening with the older guys and the answer is - nothing." 

The Montgomery, Ala., native has appeared in 23 games this season, starting in eight. He missed the season opener at Troy due to a concussion. On the year, he's averaging 8.8 points and 4.5 rebounds. 

With the status of previous suspension of junior guard Jalen Steele still "yet to be determined" according to Ray, the Bulldogs have only five guaranteed scholarship players and seven players total heading to Alabama Wednesday night. THe suspension of Johnson represents the fifth different players from the preseason summer roster to be either suspended or dismissed from the team this season.  

All of the Dispatch MSU Sports Blog readers: feel free to follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/matthewcstevens for up-to-date Mississippi State coverage.  

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