The NCAA News - News and Features

The NCAA News -- November 9, 1998

Athlete reprimanded in men's tennis for unsporting behavior

The NCAA Division I men's tennis subcommittee has reprimanded University of Mississippi student-athlete Sebastien DeChaunac for his unsportsmanlike behavior during the 1998 NCAA Division I Men's Tennis Championships last May at the University of Georgia.

DeChaunac lost his temper and broke his racket at the end of his singles match against Georgia's John Roddick, an outburst that prompted the subcommittee to issue a public reprimand.

The subcommittee has accepted an institutional penalty imposed by Mississippi. DeChaunac will not be allowed to participate in the first two matches of the spring season competition.

"The committee was disappointed in Mr. DeChaunac's behavior and strongly believes that the championships should not be tarnished by such behavior," said Matt Anger, chair of the Division I men's tennis subcommittee.

"These types of actions only serve to discredit the student-athlete, the University of Mississippi and the NCAA Division I Men's Tennis Championships."