Highly-lauded freshman guard Jalek Felton is leaving the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The five-star recruit from the class of 2017 was issued a suspension in January 2018. Since then, Felton has been ineligible for any university activities, including classes and athletics. Felton's lawyer revealed to ESPN on Thursday, March 1, 2018, that he will be leaving unc.

Freshman guard Jalek Felton to leave UNC

The nephew of former University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill point guard Raymond Felton, Jalek was a highly touted recruit coming into UNC.

But a still unexplained suspension on January 29, 2018, has kept Felton sidelined for much of the season. Prior to his suspension, Felton averaged 2.9 points and 1.6 assists.

Felton's lawyer, Kerry Sutton, commented to ESPN: "There is nothing we've heard that justifies UNC's actions against jalek felton." Sutton further stated that "He had faith in UNC's future when no other five-star recruit did. UNC has turned its back on him."

According to the News and Observer, Sutton represented UNC football player Allen Artis in 2017. The N&O further revealed that Sutton concentrates on representing Title IX situations. However, Sutton has kept quiet about what, specifically, Felton was suspended for. WRAL News claims that sources say UNC police continue investigating Felton actively.

But Felton has not been arrested, and faces no criminal charges. Rather, Felton was suspending as UNC gathers additional information.

Early in the season, head coach Roy Williams praised the freshman guard, though Williams commented: "If I can get him to be more focused and tougher...I think he’s got a chance to be a really good player and really help us."

Since Felton has withdrawn from UNC, he's free to speak with other universities about a transfer.

Despite Felton's withdrawal, Sutton warns that "...this is far from over."

Tar Heels' latest loss

In a February 27, 2018 matchup against the University of Miami Hurricanes, the Tar Heels fell short, losing 91-88. Next up, the Heels face off against long-time ACC rival, the Duke Blue Devils on March 4, 2018. As UNC's regular season nears its end, one of their top recruits, the only five-star recruit UNC landed for the class of 2017, concludes his tenure with the team.

Felton's basketball career is not over, and he'll likely transfer to another university to continue his collegiate career. In leaving, Jalek Felton referred to his time playing at UNC as "a dream come true," adding that "it's time for a new dream."