Dec. 20, 2001

Columbia, Mo. - The University of Missouri Department of Intercollegiate Athletics was informed yesterday that the NCAA Reinstatement Staff had denied MU's request of reinstatement for junior center Uche Okafor.

Following are comments from Athletic Department officials:

MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH QUIN SNYDER

"I'm incredibly displeased with the process in which we gather the facts in good faith and await a timely judgment, only to see the NCAA sandbag the school while Uche's career slips away. The idea that Uche had intent to professionalize is very far from the truth. We believe this result was predetermined this summer, and it appears to not be about Uche. Uche is crushed. This is his life, but that seems to have been lost in the entire process. I think it's very, very unfortunate. We hope that there is a deeper look taken at the issues in the appeal process."

ASSOCIATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR SARAH REESMAN

"We're obviously very disappointed with this ruling. We've begun the appeal process, and hope to have our case heard before the end of the month. We have to remain hopeful for Uche's sake, as we truly believe this young man deserves to play basketball. In our assessment of the situation, he's done nothing that should preclude him from playing, and we're working to present a case to the Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee in hopes that they'll agree."

JUNIOR CENTER UCHE OKAFOR

"This is very disappointing. I've gone through quite a bit to just be here to have this opportunity at Missouri. The thought of having it taken away would be quite devastating, but I will remain hopeful that the appeal will be more favorable. I am confident that my coaches and our administrators are doing everything they can on my behalf. Until this is settled, I will continue to focus on my studies and helping the team anyway I can."