University of North Carolina Athletics
Carolina To Appeal One-Game Suspensions For Johnson, Holmes
November 12, 2002 | Men's Basketball
Nov. 12, 2002
The University of North Carolina is appealing an NCAA ruling that men's basketball seniors Jonathan Holmes and Will Johnson must sit out the regular-season opening game against Penn State due to their participation in a campus charity event last spring.
Holmes and Johnson participated in a one-day, 3-on-3 basketball tournament to raise money for cancer research. They each paid the $10 entry fee to participate in the fundraiser and received no prize money or other gifts for participating. The event was organized by the Carolina Cancer Focus, a student organization.
However, NCAA rules prohibit men's basketball student-athletes from participating in unsanctioned leagues, tournaments or games.
UNC's compliance office became aware of the student-athletes' participation after the event and declared them ineligible per NCAA regulations. UNC asked the NCAA to restore their eligibility, which the NCAA did, along with adding a one-game suspension. The University is currently appealing the one-game suspension to the NCAA's Division I Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement.
A statement from one or both players will be released as soon as it is available.
