(posted 5/1/03)
UA President Robert Witt Says Price's Fate To Be Decided Saturday

President Robert Witt initially said there were no plans to discipline Alabama head coach Mike Price for his behavior during a recent trip to Pensacola, Florida. But now, there's no guarantee of that. Witt said on Thursday that the incident was unfortunate and he will meet with Athletic Committee members of the Board of Trustees on Saturday. The comments came during an interview with the press at the Tuscaloosa County Club. Here's a transcript of what was said ...

Press Pool - Have you met yet with Coach Price and Mal Moore?

Dr. Robert Witt - Mal Moore and I met with Coach Price this morning

And how did that go?

I think the discussion was very productive and useful. I'll be meeting later today or early tomorrow with Mal Moore to discuss a course of action. After I have that meeting, I'll be meeting with the Chancellor (Malcolm Portera) to discuss my conclusions, and on Saturday morning I'll present my decision and discuss my decision with the Athletics Commission on the Board of Trustees.

What is you personal reaction to what happened?

It's a very sad and unfortunate event.

Will this delay contract discussions with him (Price) or was that part of the discussion?

The contract talks have not progressed during this situation. The contract that was presented to Coach Price is still in his hands.

The lady involved went public with comments today that were published in the Mobile Register. Have you seen those remarks?

I have not seen those remarks.

Basically, she said nothing really happened in one way. But do you know if those remarks will have any bearing on what happens throughout the rest of today and the weekend?

I think it would be more appropriate to review the remarks before I comment on them.

Is there anything here that you would consider a fireable offense?

(pause) The discussion regarding a course of action will take place with the athletic director either later today or tomorrow morning and I think it would be premature to comment on that at this time.

What kind of behavior do you expect from all of your coaches at Alabama?

The highest standards of ethical behavior.

Could comment on the protocol that is required in this kind of situation?

I will present and discuss my decision with the athletics committee of the Board of Trustees on Saturday morning. After that, we will be following University and Board policy.

Since Coach Price has not signed a contract, what is his status with the University? Is he considered under verbal contract?

I think that's a question better answered by an attorney.

Is his punishment a decision that you would make or the Board would make, or a joint decision by both?

The President will determine the course of action in this situation.

Personally, what do you think will happen at the end of the meeting on Saturday?

I am not in a position to comment on that at this time.

What are your feelings on how this has blown up into such a huge controversy so quickly?

I think it's extremely unfortunate.

Has it been difficult managing this PR crisis? There has been given a lot of publicity to this.

Significant time and attention has been devoted to the issue, but I think it's important to remember we're talking about careers and lives and coming to a well-informed, well-reasoned decision is more important that coming to a hasty one.

Will a decision come on Saturday and will you meet with us after the meeting?

I will meet with you on Saturday.

Here's the official University statement released on May 1st

Update on Coach Mike Price issue:

University of Alabama President Robert E. Witt today announced he is nearing the completion of his review of Head Football Coach Mike Price’s behavior during a recent Pensacola, Florida, golf tournament and since his appointment as head coach. “This review involves careers and lives and it has been imperative that it be thorough,” Witt said.

The president and Athletics Director Mal Moore will meet with Coach Price today. After that meeting, Witt will meet with Chancellor Mack Portera to discuss his conclusions.

Witt is scheduled to meet with the Board of Trustees’ Athletics Committee, other available Board of Trustee members, and the chancellor on Saturday to present and discuss his decision regarding Price’s status as head football coach. Witt requested that every effort be made to schedule the meeting with Board members earlier, but schedules would not allow an earlier meeting date.

The Athletics Committee of the Board of Trustees will meet at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 3 in the Rast B room of the Bryant Conference Center in Tuscaloosa.

Read Comments from former coach Mike Price's termination from President Witt, Mike Price and the players ...

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