U of M Officials Still Pondering Appeal

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - As he amiably chatted with Memphis Mayor Pro-Tem Myron Lowery, before a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Liberty Bowl, embattled University of Memphis Athletic Director, R.C. Johnson, appeared relaxed.

An easy outward demeanor which didn't belie the turmoil created last week after the NCAA announced its intentions to slap the school's men's basketball and women's golf programs with some harsh sanctions.

Johnson explained, "So, we're gonna take a good look at that. We have an outside firm as well as our local University attorneys, and we'll take a good look see."

Yet, while Johnson previously vowed the Tigers would appeal the decision that would strip them of their 38 wins and a Final Four appearance garnered two years ago. On Wednesday, Johnson spoke of the following through on the four to five month process, potentially leading to another hearing, in far more cautious terms especially, since another hearing date....dredging up everything about Derrick Rose's ineligibility and who knew what and when about it...could be publically "revisited" about ten games into head coach Josh Pastner's first coaching season.

In measured tones, Johnson said, "The one thing we want to make sure of is we have no penalties going forward. So, we want to make sure that if during this appeal there's nothing that could come out of that that could make it go forward."

Even before last week's NCAA ruling, the perceived "disappointments" of Johnson's 13-year tenure had already been under fire in print and from sports radio call-in fans....culminating in an article in which Commercial Appeal columnist, Geoff Caulkins, outright called for Johnson's ouster. A candid Johnson admits he's not totally impervious to the criticism.

Johnson lamented, "To say it doesn't bother you...and I hear people saying that. I don't believe that. I mean everyone's human. Nobody likes that. But, it is part of it."

Johnson concluded, "My position. My role is a very visible role. We're in a big city with a lot of media coverage which is what we want. But, the downside is there is a lot of coverage and you're gonna get some people that are gonna say things and you just gotta move on."