The NCAA News - News and Features

May 18, 1998

Wrestler reprimanded for inappropriate behavior

The NCAA Division I Wrestling Committee has reprimanded wrestler Mark Smith of Oklahoma State University for inappropriate behavior during the 1998 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships.

The committee determined that Smith made inappropriate gestures to the crowd after a match in which he participated. The Division I committee has issued a public reprimand of Smith and has withheld transportation and per diem payment to Oklahoma State for Smith's participation in Cleveland, site of the championships. One team point was deducted from Oklahoma State's total during the competition.

"The committee was very disappointed in Mr. Smith's behavior. These types of actions only serve to discredit Oklahoma State University and the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships," said Michael Moyer, chair of the Division I Wrestling Committee. "We cannot condone such behavior in NCAA championships competition or any other competition."