May 18, 2005

The University of South Carolina learned today senior quarterback Mike Rathe’s sixth-year eligibility reconsideration case has been denied by the NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement Staff.

Rathe and his family feel it is in his best interest to appeal and the University supports this request to the NCAA.

Rathe issued a statement via the USC Sports Information and said he will be made available to the media once the entire process is over and a final ruling has been made.

Rathe Statement
“We (he and his family) have been waiting for three months so I am disappointed. But we are not dead yet because we have an appeal left. We will try to keep a positive attitude until the end and hope for the best. In the meantime, I am in Columbia and will continue to workout: running, throwing, lifting and studying plays. I want to make sure I am ready if the appeal is approved.”