Binghamton University received a copy of the “Report to the Board of Trustees” concerning its athletic program late this morning. We have had limited opportunity to examine it and are now in the process of reviewing it carefully.

After a preliminary review of the document, however, it is clear that the University is already working on some of the report’s major findings. A new men’s basketball operating plan, called for by President Lois B. DeFleur in October 2009, addresses key issues of concern including: general evaluative criteria for identifying prospects; operating standards: academic support and expectations; and athlete assistance.

Specifically, regarding admissions: Members of the Athletic Department, including our basketball staff, have been told that it is imperative that they follow already existing policies that require all special admissions to be vetted through our compliance officer and that members of the coaching staff cannot initiate contact with the Admissions Office. Also, in determining criteria for prospective basketball players, staff must consider not only on-court skills, but academic achievement and character, as well. The plan is available upon request.

With respect to increasing support services for our athletes, the Interim Athletic Director, working with the Director of Student Services, has developed and implemented a plan to support members of the men’s basketball team that will enhance their overall experience at Binghamton University. Elements of the plan include providing additional academic counseling and other support for all members of the basketball team. Assistant coaches have been given extra responsibility for student athlete oversight.

President DeFleur will continue to work with Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher on the specific implementation of the report to ensure the continued success of the Binghamton University athletic department, both academically and athletically.

We will have no further comment on the report at this time.

Coach Broadus has cooperated fully with the investigators in SUNY's internal investigation of the BU's basketball program. Throughout his entire coaching career, he has conducted himself in a manner that has brought credit to the universities that he has represented, served as an outstanding role model for the young men that he has coached and acted in strict compliance with institutional and NCAA policies. He is proud of the youngsters that he has recruited and the opportunities that he has afforded them. As with youngsters (of all races), they occasionally make mistakes. He has considered it to be his responsibility to assist them through their misdeeds, discipline them when necessary, nurture them when needed and assist them in their sometimes awkward progression into manhood. He makes no apologies for that. That is his responsibility as a coach and an African American man.

Coach Broadus, as was outlined in the internal investigation report issued today, has violated no major NCAA bylaws, nor has he acted in a manner to bring discredit to BU. There were three secondary violations attributed to the staff (that) were previously self-reported. These were unintentional and isolated events . Notably, I have interviewed and gathered sworn statements from every player named in the report, faculty members, coaches and university staff. To a man and woman, each one stated that they were never afforded unusual academic assistance or extra benefits of any type during either their tenure at or recruitment to Binghamton (in the case of the players) and that they never witnessed or participated in such conduct (in the case of the staffers).

Interestingly, it appears that the source of many of the "complaints" about Coach Broadus came from rival schools who had their own opinions about who the BU staff should or should not recruit. (As a Southerner, I found it a bit unbelievable that rival coaches and AD's assume that they have the authority to influence who BU recruits or admits, especially when the student-athletes meet NCAA continuing eligibility requirements. I cannot imagine Auburn's A.D. complaining to Alabama's A.D. that Alabama should not recruit a player because it would tarnish Alabama's standing. I can project the response, however, if it did occur.).

Coach Broadus is prepared to return to his position and continue to lead the young men that he committed (himself) to lead prior to their arrival in Binghamton.