Royce White says he's leaving Minnesota

Haven't we been down this road before?

A day after a court appearance where Minnesota freshman Royce White plead not guilty to three counts of trespassing stemming from an incident involving a stolen laptop, White told reporters that he would once again be leaving the Gophers.

Why?

"Why am I withdrawing from school? Because I don't feel like I'm protected by the school or police," White said by telephone Monday. "I feel very threatened by the police. I felt very threatened by the officer today at the court room."

White was recently allowed to return to practice with the Gophers, but wasn't going to be cleared to play in games until his legal situation was cleared up. White also plead guilty to charges stemming from an incident where he shoplifted and assaulted a security guard at the Mall of America.

White won't seek a transfer from Minnesota, and apparently has yet to talk to Tubby Smith about his decision.

Minnesota has been a disappointment this season. They've played all season without power forward Trevor Mbakwe, and they just lost Al Nolen for the remainder of the season. But there is no doubt that White has been the biggest distraction.

Whatever the result of this soap opera, it is looking less and less likely to be a happy ending.