The NCAA News - News and Features

April 28, 1997

I soccer reprimands assistant men's coach at George Mason

The Division I subcommittee of the NCAA Men's Soccer Committee has reprimanded Emanuele Gairin, George Mason University assistant men's soccer coach, for inappropriate behavior toward a game official during the 1996 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship.

The incident that drew the reprimand occurred following George Mason's second-round game against St. John's University (New York). After St. John's scored its second goal to break a tie with seconds left in the game, Gairin moved onto the field, verbally attacked the linesman and was ejected from the game. Following the completion of the game, Gairin again approached officials and continued his outburst as the officials left the field.

The Division I men's soccer subcommittee has issued a public reprimand of Gairin and has withheld transportation and per diem payment to George Mason for Gairin's participation in the second round. In addition, Gairin is required to sit out the next NCAA championship game in which he would normally be a participant.

"The committee was very disappointed in Gairin's behavior and strongly believes that the championship should not be tarnished by such acts," said Jonathan B. LeCrone, chair of the Division I men's soccer subcommittee. "These types of actions only serve to discredit the coach, George Mason University and the Division I Men's Soccer Championship."

Gairin has since resigned from the George Mason men's soccer program. The university has advised the committee that it does not intend to appeal the decision.