Giddens’ transfer questioned

By J-W Staff And Wire Reports     Aug 8, 2005

? A number of schools have lodged complaints with the NCAA over J.R. Giddens’ transfer from Kansas University to New Mexico.

ESPN’s Andy Katz reports that unnamed schools complained to the NCAA that New Mexico coach Ritchie McKay committed a violation by traveling to Oklahoma City to watch Giddens work out on July 6, the first day of the summer-evaluation period, despite the fact Giddens was injured.

A school can contact potential transfers as long as the school has a release. The new institution is subject to the restrictions on contacts that apply to other prospective student-athletes (i.e., only during contact periods. July is an evaluation period, not a contact period).

Giddens told ESPN’s Katz there was no contact more than a greeting with McKay and said he shot around when McKay watched, indicating it was a legitimate workout.

Giddens denied there was any illicit contact. He said he watched a highlight video on New Mexico’s Web site, not in person with McKay.

“It was just an open gym at Douglas High School, and I was just testing myself and putting up jumpers, nothing serious,” Giddens told Katz. “Coach (McKay) just popped up, and that was it.”

McKay denied any wrongdoing to ESPN’s Katz.

Tennessee, Florida, Arizona State, TCU, Pittsburgh and others had interest in Giddens.

Giddens’ transfer questioned

By J-W Staff And Wire Reports     Aug 8, 2005

? A number of schools have lodged complaints with the NCAA over J.R. Giddens’ transfer from Kansas University to New Mexico.

ESPN’s Andy Katz reports that unnamed schools complained to the NCAA that New Mexico coach Ritchie McKay committed a violation by traveling to Oklahoma City to watch Giddens work out on July 6, the first day of the summer-evaluation period, despite the fact Giddens was injured.

A school can contact potential transfers as long as the school has a release. The new institution is subject to the restrictions on contacts that apply to other prospective student-athletes (i.e., only during contact periods. July is an evaluation period, not a contact period).

Giddens told ESPN’s Katz there was no contact more than a greeting with McKay and said he shot around when McKay watched, indicating it was a legitimate workout.

Giddens denied there was any illicit contact. He said he watched a highlight video on New Mexico’s Web site, not in person with McKay.

“It was just an open gym at Douglas High School, and I was just testing myself and putting up jumpers, nothing serious,” Giddens told Katz. “Coach (McKay) just popped up, and that was it.”

McKay denied any wrongdoing to ESPN’s Katz.

Tennessee, Florida, Arizona State, TCU, Pittsburgh and others had interest in Giddens.

PREV POST

Kids have fun day with KU football players

NEXT POST

8691Giddens’ transfer questioned