Nov. 21, 2004

Columbia, S.C. – STATEMENT FROM UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT

(Regarding the fighting incident that occurred during the fourth quarter of the South Carolina-Clemson football game on 11/20 at Clemson)

Sunday afternoon, USC athletics director Mike McGee indicated that he had met with head football coach Lou Holtz and spoken with Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive regarding this incident. USC has sent video from all angles of the incident to the SEC Office for their review and has begun discussions related to appropriate sanctions. All parties will confer again on Monday. The only injury relative to this incident that USC is aware of came to Gamecock quarterback Syvelle Newton, who hurt his leg in the pile on of players after an opposing player had struck him at the end of the fourth down play. The University of South Carolina Athletics Department expresses its deep regret for its involvement in this terribly unfortunate incident that occurred on Saturday.

COMMENTS FROM HEAD FOOTBALL COACH Lou Holtz

(the following comments were made by the head coach during the filming of his weekly coach’s show Sunday morning)

“Who started this is of no consequence … what happened after that certainly is. Players should play, officials should officiate and coaches should coach. For our players to run out onto the field like they did is devastating to not only me as a coach, but to the University of South Carolina and college football in general. Dr. McGee and I will give this matter serious review and consult with the SEC and University. Repercussions will be significant and could range from suspensions to the most severe penalty you could think of. I’ve never had anything like this happen in all my years of coaching and I must say it is certainly the most disappointing thing I’ve experienced as a head coach. I care deeply about our players and I care deeply about how our players react to situations. On Saturday, they reacted inappropriately and I feel bad about that.”