St. John's fires men's basketball coach

St. John's Director of Athletics Chris Monasch issued a statement announcing the change, saying the New York university expected "a high level of success on the court consistent with our tradition.

The Red Storm was 17-16 overall this season and 6-12 -- 13th in the 16-team Big East Conference. The season ended with a 73-71 loss at Memphis in the first round of the NIT. It was the only season under Roberts that St. John's finished better than .500.

From the 2004-05 season until this year, St. John's was a combined 81-101 overall and 32-70 in the Big East.

Roberts became the Red Storm's coach while the team was under investigation for alleged illegal payments to a player. As a result the NCAA accepted school-imposed sanctions on scholarships and post-season appearances.

"Coach Roberts took over a very challenging situation and has advanced our program in many respects," Monasch said." We appreciate the class and integrity he exhibited in his six years at St. John's."

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