A Statement from Chancellor John A. White

On Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007, representatives from the University of Arkansas met with members of the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions concerning allegations in the men’s track and field program. During the hearing, we had an opportunity to share our views on the issues in this case in a candid and detailed exchange with members of the committee.

The allegations considered by the committee were a direct result of a comprehensive self-inquiry and report forwarded by the university to the NCAA following initial allegations raised in a superseding federal indictment of a former track and field assistant coach. While the indictment and conviction of the coach were based primarily on the coach’s actions while employed at another institution, the university worked promptly and proactively to analyze potential issues emerging from the indictment related to the University of Arkansas men’s track and field program.

More specifically, soon after the superseding indictment, the university began its inquiry and shortly thereafter requested that the NCAA Enforcement Staff become involved with the shared goal of ascertaining the facts in this case. The university self-reported the violations and the NCAA Enforcement Staff issued a notice of allegations. It is important to note that the notice resulting from the joint inquiry and self-report did not contain any alleged violations of NCAA rules specifically against Head Coach John McDonnell or members of his current coaching staff. Nevertheless, as set forth in the institution’s response to the notice, the university acknowledged its responsibility for certain NCAA violations and detailed the meaningful corrective and punitive actions that it had instituted. As I stated to the committee, the university accepts full responsibility for those violations.

Based on previous cases, we anticipate that the committee will deliberate and issue its report in six to eight weeks. Due to the pending status of the case, it would not be appropriate for the university to comment further regarding these matters. In the meantime, we appreciate the support of the University of Arkansas community and all Razorback fans and share with them the commitment to comply with the spirit and intent of all NCAA rules.