Murray State University Athletics
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Lady Racers to forfeit Dec. 10 game
2/15/2006 6:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
After a review of the women's basketball schedule, it was determined that a miscalculation occurred, and junior forward Joi Scott should not have been allowed to participate in that game, her first as a Lady Racer.
One of the conditions placed upon Murray State in order to restore Scott's eligibility after her transfer from Northern Illinois University was to withhold her from competition for 30 percent of the regular-season contests (eight games). That suspension was the result of sanctions issued by the NCAA while she was a player at Northern Illinois.
"After a thorough review of this matter, we determined that an error did occur in calculating Joi's withholding condition," said Ward. "As a result, we acted immediately to rectify the situation."
Scott was withheld from the game at Morehead State on Feb. 11 in order to fulfill the 30-percent withholding condition. Murray State lost that game by two points.
Furthermore, the Ohio Valley Conference has determined that Scott was ineligible to participate in the game against Morehead State on Dec. 10, and is requiring Murray State to forfeit that contest.
"It is unfortunate and unacceptable that an error in our compliance office has directly impacted Coach Felton, Ms. Scott and the rest of the team," said Ward. "I'm proud of all that they have accomplished this season, and I have no doubt that they will overcome this setback and continue to play well. I couldn't be more pleased with the direction of the women's basketball program and the job Coach Felton is doing.
"I appreciate the manner in which the OVC staff, Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher and the NCAA have handled this matter. Although difficult, we accept this ruling as fair and will quickly focus on moving forward."
Scott's eligibility has been restored with the NCAA, and she will be available for Thursday's game against Tennessee State.
The Lady Racers record now stands at 6-10 in the OVC (the overall record was not affected by the forfeit, and the statistics from that game still count). Murray State is now tied for eighth with Eastern Kentucky, a half-game ahead of 10th-place Tennessee-Martin (6-11) and one game behind seventh-place Jacksonville State (7-9). The top eight teams in the conference participate in the O'Reilly's OVC Championship Tournament.
