Nov. 5, 2007

Johnson C. Smith University is committed to sportsmanship among its coaches, student-athletes, staff and fans. Golden Bull student-athletes have created a new program for 2007-08 that promotes good sportsmanship among players, coaches, staff and fans. Prior to the start of every home football and basketball game, one student-athlete will read the NCAA/CIAA/JCSU sportsmanship announcement.

"We want the public and JCSU community to be aware that we are in full support of the CIAA and NCAA as it relates to fans, athletes, and coach's behaviors," remarked Dr. Denisha Hendricks, assistant athletic director for internal operations and senior woman administrator. "The Student Athlete Advisory Committee (S.A.A.C.) has taken on this task as one of their primary projects that they will continue through basketball season. We are taking the lead in the CIAA by having the student-athlete read the sportsmanship announcement. We hope that other institutions will incorporate their student-athletes in the sportsmanship announcement process."

"Reading the sportsmanship announcement lets everybody know that we are coming to play a sport, but we need to have class and act with respect while performing," remarked Jennifer Lee, president of the JCSU-S.A.A.C. "Having the different students read the announcement shows athletic unity. It shows the general student body the leadership and respect for one another that student-athletes must display."

The sportsmanship announcement reads: "Johnson C. Smith University, the CIAA, and the NCAA promote good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches and spectators. We request your cooperation by supporting the participants and the officials in a positive manner. Profanity, racial or sexist, comments or other intimidating actions directed at officials, student-athletes, coaches or team representatives will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from the site of competition. We thank you for your cooperation."