Shaun Pruitt, starting center on the men’s basketball team, was arrested for aggravated battery early Saturday morning after a confrontation with a bouncer at The Clybourne, 706 S. Sixth St., Sgt. Jim Ryan of the Champaign police confirmed Tuesday.

A bouncer approached Pruitt after seeing the 6-foot-10, 240-pound athlete cut the line to get into the bar, the Champaign News-Gazette reported Tuesday. Pruitt and the bouncer began speaking, and according to a police report, Pruitt spat twice on the victim and slapped him.

Police arrested Pruitt and took him to the Champaign County Jail. Pruitt has no previous record and will not be charged.

The 20-year-old will take part in the state’s attorney office’s adult diversion program, and will complete community service. He is scheduled to appear in court Thursday, the News-Gazette reported.

Calls to State’s Attorney Julia Rietz were not returned Tuesday afternoon.

Pruitt, a sophomore in LAS from Aurora, Ill., started every game of the 2005-06 season. He averaged 6.2 points and 5.1 rebounds for the Illini.

Illinois head coach Bruce Weber was out of town Tuesday and unavailable for comment.

Sports Information Director Kent Brown said that Weber and athletic director Ron Guenther will wait until the court case is over before they decide if they will take action against the basketball player.

“Coach Weber will monitor the situation, watch how it plays out, and make a decision if any additional disciplinary action will be taken,” Brown said.