Sept. 12, 2001

Birmingham, Ala. – The members of the Southeastern Conference mourn the tragic loss of lives, bodily injury and condemn the acts of destruction which occurred yesterday in this nation. Each of our institutions has been personally touched by these events.

After reviewing all of the issues involved, the Southeastern Conference announces that all Conference athletic events will be played as scheduled, including the football games on Saturday, September 15.

The Conference believes these events present a meaningful opportunity to bring our people together in a common expression of sympathy and mourning. An appropriate ceremony to express these sentiments will be held prior to each game.

The Conference also announces that the member institutions will donate $1,000,000 from the gate receipts and television fees to funds which will assist the victims of this tragic event. In addition, fans at each event will be encouraged to make donations to these funds.

In taking this action, we join the President of the United States and other leaders of our nation by “not allowing this event to change our way of life or restrict our freedoms.”

If required by changing events or circumstances, adjustments could be made to this schedule.