Nov. 25, 2002

Miami University announced today (Nov. 25) that assistant football coach Taver Johnson will face a series of financial and professional penalties for damaging the visiting coaches' box at Marshall University Nov. 12.

Johnson admitted he struck a shelf and put holes in the wall of the coaching box after Miami's last-second, 36-34 loss to Marshall.

As a result, he will pay for the damages to the box, forego any pay increase next year, attend anger management counseling at his own expense, attend the "Coaching with Character" seminar, expand his community service efforts with the football team, apologize in writing to Marshall University officials and its football team, and apologize in person to Miami's football team and coaching staff. He will remain on suspension with pay until Nov. 30 and will be barred from off-campus recruiting until Feb. 5, 2003.

Miami also is imposing a "zero-tolerance" clause in Johnson's contract, dictating termination for any future "unprofessional or intemperate conduct."

The disciplinary actions, while severe, also "reflect the fact that this is a young coach who let his emotions get away from him but who immediately admitted and apologized for his actions," explained Interim Athletic Director Steve Snyder. "There have been no similar incidents in the past; in fact, to the contrary he has been an active, good citizen with a long record of community service.

"We are taking these steps to help Coach Johnson learn from his mistake."

Miami President James C. Garland said Johnson's actions ran counter to "good sportsmanship that has been the hallmark of Miami University athletics ever since the University was founded nearly two centuries ago. We are proud of our reputation and resolve to be worthy of it in all of our games and in all of our sports."

Both Garland and Snyder emphasized that Johnson's case was treated independently from that of Jon Wauford, Miami's defensive coordinator who is accused of striking a fan after the Marshall game.

"The two incidents are different. We will decide on Coach Wauford's situation once all the facts are in. That investigation is still continuing," said Snyder. Wauford remains on suspension.

Statement from Dr. James C. Garland regarding the incident
Since its first game in 1888, Miami University football has epitomized a winning tradition, integrity, a commitment to the academic development of players, and good sportsmanship. In light of the unfortunate incidents involving two Miami football coaches at the Miami-Marshall game Nov. 12, I would like to reaffirm our commitment to these ideals.

Miami University expects her coaches, players, and fans to be good sports. Good sports treat opposing teams and their fans with respect and courtesy. Good sports are humble when they win. They accept their victories with poise, without gloating or demeaning the other team. Good sports are not rude.

Good sports understand that losing is part of athletic competition. They accept their defeats gracefully, without pointing fingers or making excuses. They view their losses as opportunities for growth and further development of their skills.

Good sports keep their emotions in check. They understand that stress and pressure are part of athletics, and that the true test of character is when the disappointment, the bitterness, and the frustrations of a game are the greatest.

And finally, good sports keep a sense of perspective. They know that the other team is their opponent, not their enemy, and that the game is a contest, not a battle. They know that if they conduct themselves with dignity, they will always walk off the field as winners, no matter what the numbers on the scoreboard may show.

Good sportsmanship has been the hallmark of Miami University athletics, ever since the University was founded nearly two centuries ago. We are proud of our reputation and resolve to be worthy of it in all of our games and in all of our sports.