Jan. 19, 2008

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - Carson-Newman Head Coach Dale Clayton and Athletic Director David Barger have issued statements in response to the South Atlantic Conference's ruling regarding Wednesday's game with the Wingate Bulldogs.

Carson-Newman "lost" the game 83-82 in Jefferson City Wednesday night. Officials credited Wingate's Brian Grier with a two-points in the second half on a shot which did not enter the basket. Grier missed the ensuing free throw.

The South Atlantic Conference has said the game will stand. The mistake moves Carson-Newman to 10-3 overall and gives the Eagles their first SAC loss at 3-1.

Link to SAC statement: http://thesac.athleticsite.com/article.asp?articleID=770

Head Coach Dale Clayton's statement: Disciplining the actions of the officials involved in our game (with Wingate) does not address the heart of the matter. I'm very disappointed (South Atlantic Conference) Commissioner Doug Echols has chosen to disregard the real issues in this situation, the student-athletes involved and integrity of the game.

Director of Athletics, David Barger's statement: The integrity of the game is a major issue to us at Carson-Newman. The players and coaches on both teams know the truth about what happened (on Wednesday). Too many things were compromised for there to be nothing done about how this situation impacts the South Atlantic Conference standings and NCAA Regional Rankings. Our biggest concern is the message that has been sent to our student-athletes.