PITTSBURGH -- A star basketball recruit has been suspended from Duquesne University after being arrested by Pittsburgh police over the weekend -- but his attorney said she expects all charges to be dropped.

Junior forward Stuard Baldonado -- one of five Duquesne Dukes wounded in a shooting on campus last September -- was suspended because of "an apparent violation" of the school's code of conduct, according to a statement posted on GoDuquesne.com.

The university didn't release any more information than that, but court records show Baldonado, 22, was charged with criminal conspiracy in connection with what police said was a drug deal near campus.

"He was not involved in the alleged drug transaction," attorney Teresa Toriseva said Wednesday afternoon. "We believe the action of the university suspending him was premature."

A preliminary hearing for Baldonado was continued on Wednesday morning. His new hearing date is Sept. 13.

According to police, Baldonado was spotted near the scene of a marijuana deal Friday night at the corner of Forbes Avenue and Van Braam Street, just a couple of blocks off campus. (Map)

Baldonado and a second man, whom police said actually made the deal, both got into a taxi after the drugs changed hands, according to the criminal complaint.

Police pulled the cab over, and an officer said he found two baggies of marijuana and almost $500 on the man with Baldonado.

No drugs were found on Baldonado, police said, but he is being charged with conspiracy because police believe he helped the other man by acting as a lookout on the street.

The second man told police he sold the marijuana to pay for his college education, according to the criminal complaint.

Baldonado declined to comment as he left court on Wednesday morning. His attorney was not with him at that time.

Baldonado, who sat out the entire 2006-07 season due to injury, was expected to play a major role for the Dukes this season.

Toriseva said she is exploring options that will allow him to return to school, adding that she believes the university acted unfairly because Baldonado has only been accused and not convicted.

"We have similar cases with other students that were handled exactly the same," said Bridget Fare, a university spokeswoman.

Earlier this year, Baldonado sued Duquesne in connection with his shooting, which happened after a dance that was also attended by non-students. That lawsuit is ongoing.

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