°®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ

03/16/2019 3:45 PM

The article in the Peoria Journal Star on Saturday, March 16, relating to the °®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ men’s basketball program’s interaction with Peoria Journal Star writer Dave Reynolds took me by surprise. I knew there were issues between Dave and Coach Wardle in the past and I was under the impression that those issues had been resolved.

I do not know for sure what happened between Dave Reynolds and representatives of the men’s basketball program other than what is recounted in the article. I am also unaware and unclear about any policy that the men’s basketball program has informally applied to Dave or anyone else. I will certainly look into the matter. What I can say at this time is the following:

1. I personally and °®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ institutionally do not believe that it is the job or duty of anyone in the media or any media outlet to promote °®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ’s brand. It is the media’s job to report the news and facts in a truthful and unbiased way and occasionally to express opinions that are reasoned and based on accurate facts as best they know them.
2. There is certainly no formal policy at °®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ that allows for barring or limiting access to any member of the media or any media outlet. If that has occurred, it was inconsistent with °®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ’s general attitude toward the media and what I would regard as the implicit policy of the University.
3. Going forward, all employees of °®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ will be informed that it is °®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ’s policy that all members of the media are to be treated on a non-discriminatory basis when it comes to access to information and people.

I hope this clarifies the position of °®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ that some have called into question.

°®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ’s men’s basketball team has come a long way and accomplished much this year. Everyone associated with °®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ should be proud and excited for this outstanding group of young men who have distinguished themselves not only on the basketball court but in the classroom and the community as well. We want very much to focus on these young men and their accomplishments and to prepare for our participation in the NCAA Tournament. This time should not be about a quarrel between adults that may have led to missteps that will not be repeated. Go Braves!

Gary Roberts
President