The Red and Black

Issue date: 8/27/08 Section: Sports

YOCULAN

The University and gymnastics head coach Suzanne Yoculan were reprimanded by the NCAA Tuesday for unsportsmanlike behavior in April.

According to a NCAA news release, Yoculan, who is entering her 26th and final season at the helm in Athens, "directed the University of Georgia's senior student-athletes to return to the podium and conduct a farewell acknowledgment to the fans."

"During this time, one competitor remained on the floor exercise and there was yet another rotation to be completed. The above action was a violation of protocol," the release reads.

Along with the public reprimand, Yoculan was fined $300.

In addition, the NCAA officially reprimanded the University which hosted the event, for "not adhering to administrative procedures" during those same championships that took place April 24 to 26 at Stegeman Coliseum.

"During the individual event finals on balance beam, the competitors from Georgia had background music played from the Georgia team's iPod ... The tournament hosting manual states that a competitors' music will be permitted only during their respective rotations for floor exercise."

The women's gymnastics committee said it was "disappointed by this behavior and strongly believes the championship should not be tarnished by such acts."

The NCAA also withheld an undisclosed portion of the honorarium received by Georgia for hosting the event.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools