After firing Fox, Georgia won't accept NIT bid if offered

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) Georgia will not accept a bid, if offered, to play in the NIT after firing coach Mark Fox.

Fox said Sunday at a news conference that ''players have elected that they will not participate in that.'' Georgia spokesman Mike Mobley confirmed the school would honor the players' vote.

Fox was fired Saturday , ending the coach's nine-year stay.

Georgia (18-15) lost to Kentucky in the quarterfinals of the Southeastern Conference Tournament, ending the Bulldogs' hopes of landing a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Georgia earned only two NCAA Tournament bids in Fox's tenure, losing in the first round in 2011 and 2015. Fox was 163-133 at Georgia.

Possible candidates to replace him include former Ohio State coach Thad Motta and former Indiana and Marquette coach Tom Crean.

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