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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Cutcliffe Announces Player Suspensions At Ole Miss
8/6/2004 | Football
Aug. 6, 2004
OXFORD, Miss. - Ole Miss Head Football Coach David Cutcliffe announced Friday that running back Jamal Pittman will be suspended for at least the first six games of the 2004 season. According to Cutcliffe, Pittman will not report with the rest of the squad on August 8, but will rejoin the team on the first day of classes, August 23.
Cutcliffe's announcement comes after Pittman and linebacker Ken Bournes pleaded guilty Wednesday to misdemeanor charges related to their arrest following a July 18 incident in Memphis, Tenn.
"This is obviously a very serious matter, but due to Jamal having no previous problems, we will have him serve a probationary period during the course of his suspension," Cutcliffe said. "If he does what we expect of him, we will revisit his playing status after the first six games.
"Due to academic issues and the recent incident, Ken Bournes will not have his scholarship renewed and will no longer be a member of our team. This was Ken's last year of eligibility, so I am not sure what his plans are at this time.
"We have given this incident much thought and consideration. We are doing what we feel is fair to the program as well as the young men. We do not condone or tolerate this type of behavior in any way. In fact, we go to all extremes in trying to aid our young people to make sound decisions."
Pittman released a statement concerning his actions through the Athletics Media Relations Office.
"I want to apologize to my teammates, coaches, the University, and the Ole Miss family," Pittman said in the statement. "I am sorry for what happened and for any embarrassment this has caused. I am also grateful for getting another chance. I love Ole Miss and this is where I want to be."
In another matter involving the Ole Miss football program, Cutcliffe addressed the situation involving senior fullback Rick Razzano, who has been on probation since the spring after being arrested as a result of his role in an April 4 fight in downtown Oxford.
"Rick Razzano will serve a one game suspension against Memphis on September 4," Cutcliffe said. "As I announced this past spring, Rick will remain on the team under a strict probationary period. That probation will continue until all legal matters have been settled, and we will reassess his situation at that time.
"Rick has also completed community service work as well, which was part of the discipline measures taken in this matter."
