The ACC basketball race has taken a dramatic turn -- and in Boston College’s case, a turn for the worst -- with the school’s announcement tonight that junior center and big shot-blocker Sean Williams has been kicked off the team. Also dismissed was junior forward Akida McLain.

The school released a statement just before 7 p.m. Wednesday night. Neither coach Al Skinner nor athletic director Gene Defilippo would comment, and B.C officials said they would not release any further information.

It’s not the first time that these two have been in trouble. Williams has been suspended previously for marijuana possession, while McLain was suspended for his involvement in a counterfeiting scam.

After his suspension for marijuana possession, Williams spent time with former NBA player John Lucas, who has worked with many over the years who have had substance abuse problems.

Boston College is currently 5-0 in the ACC, and the Eagles were looking like a sure fire contender. At 6 ft. 10 inches, Williams was certainly a big reason. He was averaging 12.1 points per game, 7.0 rebounds per game, and had blocked 75 shots in 15 games.

Many ACC analysts were saying Williams was the front-runner for defensive player of the year in college basketball. He was an inside presence that gave the Eagles a chance to compete with almost anybody.

With Williams, there was no question that Boston College could make a run at the ACC title. Without him, the Eagles appear to be to thin upfront. Jared Dudley, Sean Williams and Tyrese Rice are good players, but the inside game has been taken away. Williams was a weapon few others in the ACC had.

So, the ACC race has taken a huge twist and it has happened off the court. Sean Williams is no longer a part of Boston College basketball.