USC has suspended head basketball coach Kevin O’Neill for the remainder of the Pac-10 Tournament.  Assistant coach Bob Cantu will take over for the rest of the Tournament.

O’Neill and his wife were reportedly involved in an altercation with Arizona booster Paul Weitman at a bar at L.A. Live following the Trojans 70-56 victory over Cal on Thursday. USC is scheduled to face the Wildcats today at 6 p.m.

USC athletic director Pat Haden said in a statement: “Based on the information we have gathered, I am immediately suspending Coach O’Neill for the balance of the Pac-10 Conference Tournament.  We also have set forth additional discipline that will remain private.”

“I have talked to Coach Kevin O’Neill and expressed my disappointment in his involvement in an incident last night in which he and his wife engaged in an argument with a supporter of another school,” Haden added.

O’Neill also released a statement, saying: “There was a verbal confrontation in which I made a poor decision in getting involved.”

“I understand my behavior as the leader of our team was unacceptable,” O’Neill said. “I used poor judgment and put myself, my team and USC in a bad light. I regret that I have let them down.”

“I respect and accept the disciplinary actions imposed on me by USC. It is something that I will have to live with. I look forward to learning from this, moving forward and coaching the Trojans well into the future.”

Pac-10 Commissioner Larry Scott released a statement as well. He said, “it is an unfortunate circumstance, but we are in complete agreement with Athletics Director Pat Haden’s decision.”

“It’s our highest obligation and responsibility to set a good example for our student-athletes as we prepare them for productive lives beyond college athletics. We commend USC for its actions.”

O’Neill is a former assistant and head coach at Arizona, and reportedly had a personal history with the other person. There are no reports of the confrontation being physical in nature.