June 7, 2000

LEXINGTON, Ky. – In light of the latest legal proceedings surrounding 6-9 forward Michael Southall of West Salem, Wis., University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach Orlando “Tubby” Smith has decided to withdraw Southall’s scholarship offer to play for the Wildcats next season.

“This is one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but we’ve chosen to revoke Michael’s scholarship because his behavior was detrimental to our program,” Smith said. “We believe he’s a young man who has a lot of potential and a lot to look forward to in the future. This move will allow him to pursue other options and we wish Michael and his family the best.”

The action renders Southall’s signed national letter-of-intent null and void.

Smith will have no further comment on the matter.

— UK —