May 15, 2003
Georgia Tech Director of Athletics Dave Braine confirmed that 11 Tech student-athletes, including 10 football players, have been declared academically ineligible following the spring semester.
Among the 10 football players who will not be able to play the 2003 season are three starters, including tailback Tony Hollings and defensive end Tony Hargrove, as well as backups Anthony Lawston, Kingi McNair, and Michael Sampson. Other student-athletes involved could not be reached or did not grant permission for release of their names. Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, which protects the privacy of students’ educational records, Georgia Tech cannot release academic information without the student’s permission.
“This is a very unfortunate situation for these young people and for Georgia Tech, but it is an aberration,” said Braine.
“We put a tremendous emphasis on academic support for all our student-athletes. We are very aware of the demands and pressures that student-athletes face, especially at Georgia Tech, and we work with them to make sure that they have every opportunity to be successful and earn their degrees.”
Tech head football coach Chan Gailey said, “I’m disappointed for these young men. I hope that they will work toward continuing their education, and we will do everything we can to help them.
“This is a challenging school with high academic standards that will not be compromised. A degree from Georgia Tech is something special. We constantly work with our players to make sure that they understand their responsibilities and have the resources to succeed.
“I’m also disappointed for our football team,” Gailey continued, “but we will move forward, and we’re excited about the players we’ll have on the field this season.”
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