By Mark Scott
St. Bonaventure, NY – Coach Jan van Breda Kolff says he welcomes an investigation into his troubled St. Bonaventure men's basketball team, already sanctioned by the Atlantic 10 Conference.
In a statement released late Thursday, van Breda Kolff said that all the questions must be answered. He said he'll cooperate fully with an ongoing investigation.
Van Breda Kolff's comments were his first since the A-10 stripped St. Bonaventure on Monday of six conference victories and barred the team from the league's postseason play. The sanctions came after officials ruled center Jamil Terrell ineligible for failing to meet NCAA junior college transfer guidelines.
Bonnies players then boycotted their final two games of the season, leading to a public backlash against them.
The A-10 has not ruled out further sanctions. The NCAA reserves the right to launch its own investigation and hand out further penalties.
Also Thursday, fans who purchased season tickets for St. Bonaventure basketball games began receiving a letter from the athletics department offering a refund or credit for Friday night's canceled game against Dayton. Many of the season ticket holders live in the Olean area. So, just how is the community responding to this week's controversy surrounding the Bona basketball program?
John Sayegh is the chief operating officer for the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce. Click the "listen" icon above to hear Mark Scott's interview with Mr. Sayegh.