INDIANAPOLIS--- The Administrative Committee of the NCAA Division I Championships/Sports Management Cabinet has denied the appeal of the public reprimand of University of Illinois, Champaign, student-athlete Ryan Rowe, for his unsportsmanlike behavior during his doubles match of the 2008 NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships.

The Administrative Committee reviewed correspondence that was submitted and statements made during a teleconference between the committee and representatives from the university in the process of coming to its decision.

In addition to upholding the reprimand, the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Tennis Committee will withhold transportation and per diem payment for Rowe for this event. 

“Sportsmanship is a critical part in the lives of our student-athletes,” said Sybil Blalock, NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Tennis Committee chair and senior associate athletic director at Mercer University.  “Throughout all levels of competition, there is increasing concern about the behavior occurring during athletic competition.  There is no doubt that we all appreciate the enthusiastic and spirited effort that our student athletes bring to the competitive arena; however, it is equally important that all participants are responsible for their actions.  The committee feels that good sportsmanship is truly an integral part of conducting a successful championship and will continue to support those values.”