Lasege Allowed to Play for Men's Basketball
December 21, 2000 | Men's Basketball
Dec. 21, 2000
Audio of Lasege Eligibility Announcement
Comments from Louisville's President, Director of Athletics
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - University of Louisville officials announced today their decision to allow student Muhammed Lasege to play for the Cardinals basketball team.
U of L President John Shumaker said Lasege will be eligible to play immediately. The announcement followed a decision Wednesday by Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Geoffrey P. Morris to grant a temporary injunction to allow Lasege to play. The player had been ruled ineligible by the NCAA.
After Morris granted the injunction, Shumaker consulted legal counsel, university administration, athletics administration and the university's Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors of the U of L Athletic Association before making the announcement.
"I have advised the two boards that after thoroughly reviewing the judge's decision and NCAA bylaws, consulting with the athletics staff and studying the ramifications of various courses of action, that we have decided it is in the best interests of the university, its athletics program and Muhammed Lasege to allow him immediately to play basketball for the University of Louisville," Shumaker said.
Athletic Director Tom Jurich expressed his satisfaction with the university's decision.
"Our goal from the beginning has been to find a way he can pursue his academic and athletic interests at the University of Louisville, and we believe strongly that the facts of his situation support his eligibility," Jurich said. "Every step we have taken with the NCAA and in the courts has been intended to put him on the basketball court as quickly as possible."
"We know there may be NCAA appeals and further court action ahead, but our immediate responsibility is to comply with the court's order and do the right thing by Muhammed," Shumaker said.
U of L men's head coach Denny Crum was appreciative of the University's decision and those who have been involved with the case.
"Whether he plays this weekend or not, I don't know, but I would like to personally thank (Associate AD for Compliance) Neil Brooks and (Director of Athletics) Tom Jurich for all of their hard work in regards to Muhammed," said Crum. "I appreciate the University and all the people involved standing behind him and giving him an opportunity to participate. If there's ever been a person who deserves the opportunity to play intercollegiate basketball it's Muhammed. I want the University to know how much I appreciate them standing up and making what I consider to be the right decision for him."
