SEMO men's coach Scott Edgar denies any knowing violation of NCAA rules

Southeast Missouri State University men's basketball coach Scott Edgar denies knowingly committing any NCAA rules violations.

Edgar issued a statement, made through one of his attorneys, Stuart L. Brown of Atlanta, shortly after Edgar was placed on administrative leave Thursday morning by the university for alleged NCAA infractions.

"I deny any allegation that I knowingly violated NCAA rules," Edgar said in the statement. "Through almost 30 years as a college coach, I have worked to build and maintain my good name and reputation for integrity.

"Following NCAA rules has always been important to me, and it always will be. I look forward to continuing to fully cooperate with the NCAA and the university in this process, and I look forward to continuing to coach Southeast's men's basketball program in the future."

Reached by telephone later in the day, Edgar said: "We've released a statement. That's about all I can say about it right now."

The action taken regarding Edgar came three days after the NCAA notified Southeast of possible major violations involving the men's basketball program.

A release from the university said, "Due to the serious nature of these allegations, head men's basketball coach Scott Edgar has been placed on administrative leave until the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions hears the case and releases their findings.

"While on administrative leave, Edgar will retain the title of head coach, and an acting head coach will assume all coaching duties and all related job responsibilities. An acting men's head basketball coach will be named in the near future."

The allegations were outlined in a letter received Monday by Southeast president Ken Dobbins from David Price, the NCAA's vice president for enforcement.

Southeast has until Jan. 2 to submit formal written responses to the allegations. The university anticipates the NCAA considering the case at either its Feb. 20 and 21 meeting in San Diego or its April 17 and 18 meeting in Indianapolis.

Considering the timing of those two meetings, Edgar is virtually assured of not being able to coach the entire season.

The NCAA's letter sent to the university alleges five infractions specific to the men's basketball program since Edgar was hired before the 2006-2007 season.

• The NCAA alleges that in 2006 and 2007, members of the men's basketball coaching staff -- including Edgar -- observed players participating in summer strength and conditioning activities and out-of-season pick-up games.
• The NCAA alleges that in October 2006 and August 2007, Edgar and an unnamed assistant coach arranged for the provision of extra benefits for two players.

In the August 2007 instance, approximately $239 was paid for a player's institutional fees. Failure to pay the fees was preventing the player from enrolling in fall classes. In the October 2006 instance, a player was driven from the Southeast campus to Memphis, Tenn., a $23.94 value, so that the player could travel to Atlanta for the purpose of seeing his newborn child.

• The NCAA alleges Edgar provided false and misleading information to Southeast and the NCAA enforcement staff during questioning about his involvement in and knowledge of the alleged violations.
• The NCAA alleges that an unnamed assistant coach was not honest when questioned about one of the alleged violations.

"Southeast is extremely disappointed with these allegations. We consider the allegations of NCAA infractions regarding our men's basketball program to be a matter of significant concern," Dobbins said in the release from the university. "Given the serious nature of the allegations, we believed we needed to take immediate action in the best interests of the program."

Southeast players and assistant coaches met with university administrators Thursday afternoon in a Show Me Center conference room, where the entire team was informed of the situation.

Players said they were specifically instructed by university administrators not to make any comments to the media. Practice for the upcoming season begins Oct. 17.

Edgar has posted a 23-39 record in his first two seasons at Southeast, including a 12-19 mark last year.

The 2007-2008 Redhawks got off to an 11-5 start -- 6-0 in the Ohio Valley Conference -- before losing 14 of its final 15 games.

Edgar is in the third year of a five-year contract that pays him a base salary of $120,000 annually.

Among the reasons Southeast can terminate Edgar's contract for cause, as outlined in the contract, is if he is found to have committed significant or major NCAA violations.

The Redhawks' acting head coach to be named will almost certainly come from the current coaching staff.

Zac Roman and Rodney Hamilton are both entering their second seasons as assistants, with Tommy Suitts recently hired to round out the staff.

Roman was designated by Edgar to be Southeast's "lead coach" during a game at Murray State last season that Edgar missed while serving an OVC-mandated suspension for a post-game radio show tirade against the officials following a contest two days earlier.

mmishow@semissourian.com

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