Mississippi State Statement On Renardo Sidney

Mississippi State Statement On Renardo Sidney

Mississippi State University’s response to statements regarding the university’s involvement in the Renardo Sidney amateurism case:

Mississippi State President Dr. Mark E. Keenum: “We have devoted considerable resources and attention to the issues relating to Renardo’s eligibility. We hired Mike Glazier, who is recognized as one of the best in handling eligibility matters with the NCAA. Mike advised us the most affective means for accomplishing our goal was to deal privately with the NCAA. We have received support in that endeavor from all areas of the university and the Southeastern Conference. We also encouraged all others with involvement in this case to handle those issues privately, not through the media. To do otherwise would be irresponsible.”

Athletic Director Greg Byrne: “Since the day we signed Renardo to a National Letter of Intent in May to play basketball, we have been at the forefront of the attempt to establish his eligibility. Mississippi State has cooperated fully with the NCAA in providing complete and accurate information and has encouraged all other parties involved to do the same.
“We initially certified his academic preparation to be a student-athlete at our institution and have afforded Renardo all the support that every other scholarship student-athlete here receives.

“We have spent countless hours in conversations with the NCAA. In fact, SEC Commissioner Mike Slive, MSU President Dr. Mark Keenum, Associate AD for Compliance Bracky Brett, outside legal counsel Mike Glazier and myself visited Indianapolis last month at the university’s expense to resolve those eligibility concerns with Kevin Lennon, NCAA Vice President of Academic and Membership Services, and his amateurism and eligibility staff.

“We continue to communicate directly with the NCAA for Mississippi State and in Renardo’s behalf to attain his eligibility.”

Head Basketball Coach Rick Stansbury: “It’s important to know I’m very supportive of what our administration has done, starting with President Keenum, our athletic director Greg Byrne and Bracky Brett in our compliance office. I think they’ve exhausted all avenues in attempting to get Renardo on the floor for us. It’s been a frustrating and drawn out ordeal that unfortunately we don’t have a final answer for.”

MSU media relations
1/8/10