Missouri assistant basketball coach Lane Odom has resigned. In a statement released to the media via e-mail Tuesday night, Odom said, “I am resigning my position as assistant basketball coach at the University of Missouri to pursue other opportunities. It was important to me that I remain on staff at the University of Missouri until a notice of allegations outlining the NCAA’s position was received and reviewed. It’s now time for me to move forward.” The press release was sent about eight hours after the University unveiled the NCAA’s findings in a seven-and-a-half month investigation into the basketball program at Mizzou. Odom is believed to have committed some of the minor violations outlined by the NCAA—names of MU staff members and students were blacked out by the university in the copy of the NCAA’s report. He is accused of violations like making excessive phone calls to recruits. Fellow assistant Tony Harvey is believed to have committed the most serious violation in the NCAA’s findings. He is accused of giving $250 to a player, believed to be Ricky Clemons. The Kansas City Star reported Tuesday night in its online edition, that Harvey is currently on suspension and will not be back next season. Head coach Quin Snyder apologized for the situation the program finds itsself in, saying, “I recognize that mistakes have been made in the operation of our basketball program. And I stand…before you here today and once again take full responsibility for the commission of those mistakes.” Mike Alden also expressed condolences and regret as a result of the investigation by adding, “I want to offer my sincerest apologies at this time for having all of us have to go through this very excruciating process.” Snyder and Alden were joined by MU Chancellor Dr. Richard Wallace, President Elson Floyd and internal investigation head Michael Devanney and answered questions from the media. The University of Missouri’s next move, as it relates to the investigation, is to send out a formal letter to the NCAA on July 1. In that letter they will outline the allegations they accept and the ones they don’t accept. Then on August 13-15, University officials will meet with the NCAA in Seattle, where a final appeal will be heard and soon after a final decision, with possible punishment will be handed down.
