Jan. 20, 2003

Columbia, Mo. - University of Missouri junior guard Ricky Clemons will resume participation in men's basketball activities today as announced by Director of Athletics Mike Alden and Head Coach Quin Snyder.

Following is a statement from Director of Athletics Mike Alden:

"When one of our student athletes is charged with a crime, it is the policy of the University of Missouri that the student athlete shall be held out of competition immediately to allow the athletic department an opportunity to investigate the facts and make a determination as to whether or not suspension from play is an appropriate action under the circumstances. When Ricky was charged on Friday afternoon, that policy was followed; because of the timing of Ricky's arrest, I could not meet with him before Saturday's game with Oklahoma State and he was not allowed to participate in the game.

I have now had an opportunity to meet with Ricky Clemons and his coaches and to further investigate this matter. Based upon the information available to me at this time, I do not believe it would be appropriate to continue to hold Ricky out of competition; and therefore Ricky Clemons will resume participation with the men's basketball program.

The character of our athletic program and the character of our student-athletes is a top priority of the University of Missouri. I am proud of the approach our athletic department has taken over the last several years in requiring high standards of social responsibility of our student athletes; our record speaks for itself. We will continue to require those high standards of our athletes.

Likewise, I am proud of the support and confidence the University of Missouri gives to its student-athletes. It is not the function of the athletic department to take the place of the judicial process. When it is reasonably proved that a student athlete has committed a serious crime, either through the judicial process or by our own investigation, then appropriate disciplinary action is taken. Until such reasonable proof is shown, it is unfair and inappropriate to impose such discipline. On that basis, I have concluded that suspending Ricky Clemons from further competition would not be appropriate.

I hope that this matter will be quickly resolved by the courts or that the people involved can otherwise resolve this matter to their mutual satisfaction. If further action is justified, I will take it. The character of the University of Missouri athletic programs will continue to be a top priority."

The following is a statement from Head Coach Quin Snyder:

"Ricky Clemons has and will continue to have my full support as would any member of our basketball family here at Missouri. Ricky has denied the charges and intends to fight them. At this juncture, my role is not to substitute premature judgment for the judicial process. If further action is warranted, I will take appropriate disciplinary action.

During my time at Missouri, I have emphasized to my players and the public that the character and integrity of our program is my first priority. That has not and will not change."