School officials, coaches react to NCAA decision on Mizzou athletics
Several University of Missouri officials and coaches and the leader of the Southeastern Conference issued statements Friday in reaction to the NCAA’s ruling imposing sanctions on MU athletics.
UM Board of Curators Chairman Jon Sundvold said in his statement that the NCAA Committee on Infractions “made a mistake yesterday. We expect leadership from institutions to admit when they make a mistake, correct that mistake and move forward. The NCAA should do the same.”
Sundvold’s full statement:
“The NCAA Committee on Infractions made a mistake yesterday. We expect leadership from institutions to admit when they make a mistake, correct that mistake and move forward. The NCAA should do the same. As David Roberts, NCAA Committee on Infractions panel chief officer, said, “Missouri did the right thing.” I now expect the NCAA to do the right thing.
“If it doesn’t, a dangerous precedent has been set. When an individual acts independently of their employer, violates rules, commits extortion and shops her accusations to the highest bidder, why would that institution be punished unjustly after doing the right thing?
“Inconsistent actions by the NCAA continue to erode its credibility. If it doesn’t admit and correct this unprecedented fault, many Power Five schools, like Missouri, will question the need for the NCAA as a governing body.
“As our appeal moves forward, I appreciate the support of the SEC and Commissioner Greg Sankey. When Mizzou wins the SEC East next year, he should do the right thing and invite one of its good standing members to play in the SEC Championship game.”
UM System President Mun Choi released the following statement:
“As the leader of a university system that prides itself on being held accountable, I find the sanctions against the University of Missouri-Columbia to be shockingly inappropriate and not to the standards of fairness that we expect of our governing bodies. These sanctions amount to being punished for doing the right thing. Our job is to educate young men and women to be future leaders, which includes learning how to take responsibility and expect consequences when appropriate. This decision by the NCAA, which punishes those who have nothing to do with the violation, undermines that work.
“We as Missourians value hard work and telling the truth. I encourage everyone to stand with us and raise your voices as we fight not just for Mizzou, but also to defend these values.”
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey issued the following statement:
“We have received and reviewed the Committee on Infractions report involving the University of Missouri. We are seeking to understand the committee’s decision related to the severity of the penalties applied to Missouri, particularly in light of the university’s exemplary cooperation in the case. Consistent with our standard approach to support member universities, the SEC Office stands ready to advise and assist in Missouri’s appeal process.”
MU Intercollegiate Athletics Committee chairman Craig Roberts:
“The University of Missouri has in place a faculty-led committee that interacts with the Athletics Department and reports to the MU Chancellor. Professors on this committee become familiar with all aspects of the Athletics Department, including academic matters.
“It has been our observation that MU Athletics operates at a high level of integrity. We saw that integrity playing out in this specific case. The compliance office in the Athletics Department notified us when these infractions came to light. They took immediate action. And they disclosed it in full to the NCAA.
“It has also been our observation that this integrity is the highest priority of MU Athletics and is expected of everyone in the department. The director, Jim Sterk, operates under the mantra of “Win It Right.” He requires every staff member and student-athlete to play by the rules and has zero tolerance for violation of these rules, especially rules regarding academic achievement.
“The faculty, staff, students and alumni who have served on this committee are very pleased with the value system and the day-to-day operation of the MU Athletics Department.”
MU Chancellor Alexander Cartwright:
“Under Jim Sterk’s tremendous leadership, he has instilled a culture of integrity and purpose in our program and has been a champion for academic excellence. His commitment to the “Win it Right” attitude is on display within Mizzou athletics and our talented student-athletes. As we appeal this harsh and inconsistent decision, we are fortunate to have a leader of Jim’s ability to lead our program and our athletes. We are grateful to our alumni, friends and supporters for their support and commitment to Mizzou athletics, which we all know plays a vital role at this great university.”
The MU baseball and softball programs, as well as the football program, were put on postseason bans under the NCAA punishment. The school is appealing the ruling.
Softball coach Larissa Anderson and baseball coach Steve Bieser issued statements Friday on Twitter.
Ready to fight for my team! #OwnIt pic.twitter.com/TMedI1ZT3u
— Larissa Anderson (@CoachLarissaA) February 1, 2019
— Steve Bieser (@biesersr) February 1, 2019
Football coach Barry Odom held a news conference about the NCAA punishment. Video of his remarks is available by clicking here.
Several Missouri politicians have also issued statements about the NCAA ruling. Click here to read more about the political reaction to the NCAA decision.
Former MU athletes were also sharing their reactions to the news on social media.
All these elite journalist from Mizzou better put those investigative journalism skills to use and blow the lid off this BS NCAA report. Nows y’alls time to shine. Put those powers to good use.
— Marcell Frazier (@FederalFrazier) February 1, 2019
Imma just say this.. she was my tutor and barely helped me so im confused. Literally had to switch tutors
— Kentrell Brothers (@Kentrell_Mizzou) January 31, 2019 Sign up for email news alerts by clicking here
