NCAA Press Release Archive


NCAA News Release
NCAA Statement Regarding Mike Williams' Reinstatement Decision From Kevin Lennon, NCAA Vice President For Membership Services
For Immediate Release Thursday, August 26, 2004	Contact(s) Erik Christianson Director of Public and Media Relations 317/917-6117
INDIANAPOLIS---"The NCAA staff worked diligently to gather the appropriate information that was needed to make well-informed decisions. Once the information was received from the University of Southern California, the staff engaged in a thorough analysis of the facts and all circumstances put forward by the institution." "Due to the uniqueness of the case and the complexity of issues, follow up was required in order to provide Mike Williams with a fair and thoughtful analysis. For the institution to suggest that there was a preconceived notion of outcome is patently unfair." "There were two obstacles facing Mike for eligibility; one related to academics and one related to amateurism, and sports agents in particular. Either one was sufficient to prohibit participation in competition. In this case, neither obstacle could be cleared." "The NCAA responded quickly and is sensitive to competition dates. The national office staff responded with decisions within 24 hours of receiving the final piece of information."

National Collegiate Athletic Association