Former North Carolina receiver Greg Little -- who was ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA on Monday for violation of NCCAA agent benefits, preferential treatment and ethical conduct rules -- released this statement through the school today:
“One of my greatest accomplishments was receiving a scholarship to the University of North Carolina. Representing the University was a true honor and I am so appreciative of Coach Davis and his staff for giving me the opportunity to achieve my dream of playing for North Carolina. I want to apologize first to my teammates, coaches, and the support staff for letting them down. To the community of Chapel Hill, students, alumni, and supporters of the University, I am terribly remorseful.
The recent decision from the NCAA regarding my eligibility as a collegiate athlete is extremely painful, and has been a distraction from the team throughout the past five months. My situation should not take away from any of the team’s current accomplishments or future accomplishments. Now that I am no longer a part of the program, I hope my actions will not distract the team any longer.
For the remainder of this semester, I will continue to pursue my education at North Carolina. I understand the negative connotations associated with my punishment, but I would like to continue to be active in the community and participate in various outreach programs that I have always enjoyed.
There are defining moments in everyone’s life. I will use this as one of mine to shape and mold my morals and values as person. My time at UNC came to an abrupt conclusion, but I will forever be a proud supporter of the Tar Heels and the University of North Carolina.”
Robbi Pickeral has covered ACC sports for The News & Observer since 2003. She can be reached at
Comments
Tarheel players
Wed, 10/13/2010 - 18:34 — woggie1Why are so many feeling sorry for these players ? They know the rules and they chose to violate them .The agent (s ) dangled the big juicy carrott in front of them and they took it ! If the NFL doesn't look favorably at them ,that's the way the cookie crumbles . They should get whatever degree field (was that basketweaving or what ) they were in and go on with their life .
Maybe I need to re-read
Wed, 10/13/2010 - 20:57 — gvillegatrBc I don't recall anyone feeling sorry for these guys?
Pure and utter ...
Wed, 10/13/2010 - 01:04 — Biggums... horse$hit.
greg little
Tue, 10/12/2010 - 23:46 — sammy12A tutor writes your papers in school and your attorney writes your apology. What are you good at Greg Little? Oh yeah, lying to the NCAA. The Tar Heels and the ACC bid you farewell!!
does SMU ring a bell?
Tue, 10/12/2010 - 19:54 — UCLA_Bruin95the ole SMU death penalty is getting closer to the UNC football program. SO GET YO POPCORNS READY!!!!
Hey UCLA Boy, Check out
Tue, 10/12/2010 - 20:58 — TheBigGuyHey UCLA Boy,
Check out ESPN...You guys are loaded with violators...Your day is coming.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5678493
I do not wish ill will on these kids and I hope they will learn the lessons of fair play, following guidelines, and taking advantage of opportunities when presented. We need to prosecute and imprison these agents.
Hopefully State stays clean.
I think its one of the Wear
Tue, 10/12/2010 - 21:02 — unc098I think its one of the Wear twins myself.
Lol
Tue, 10/12/2010 - 22:12 — mad_maxWouldn't that be funny.
Golly
Tue, 10/12/2010 - 22:00 — gvillegatrThose guys sucked at bball for the most part. If it weren't for the basic applications (and their height) they'd be just another couple of college students.
the Wear Twins were very
Tue, 10/12/2010 - 21:47 — UCLA_Bruin95the Wear Twins were very smart transferring to a better program. Same goes to Brandon Willis. ENJOY THE SANCTIONS TURD HEELS!!!
Vocabulary
Tue, 10/12/2010 - 17:31 — revt27302There are seven words in that "Press Release" that Greg Little doesn't know the meaning of. Nice try, lawyer boy. Let the cover up continue.......
L-A-C-K OF INSTITUTIONAL CONTROL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey Rev, If you are going
Tue, 10/12/2010 - 21:00 — TheBigGuyHey Rev,
If you are going with the charge of stupidity, don't sound so stupid doing it.
MAF
Tue, 10/12/2010 - 17:59 — owensgoodThat's four words, you stupe.
Good Luck
Tue, 10/12/2010 - 15:34 — thebuckstopshereFrom someone who has no attachment to UNC, NC State or any other "involved" university, I am really sorry that this young man went down this path. A simple apology in his own words would be infinitely better than the lawyer-crafted responses that all are posting now. The UNC football coach and AD are accountable. Their jobs are rightfully on the line. The agent is accountable, hopefully criminally in NC. But the young man is accountable too. He knew it was wrong when he did it. Live and learn, Greg. It's a mean, hard world out there when it comes to "Big Time" college sports, and the NFL, for which colleges have become the minor leagues -- AND THAT'S THE PROBLEM. Let the NFL fund minor leagues like baseball does and a lot of this would be immediately resolved.
Re "Good Luck": Well Said
Tue, 10/12/2010 - 22:41 — SanDiegoTarHeelFrom someone who Does have an attachment to Carolina (3 generations worth) I wish Butchie & Dickie would dig down Real deep, to see if they can find the b--I mean the...st--I mean the...n--I mean the...guts, to appropriate your screen name.
That's my question. With both of these clowns desperately doing the two step, where Does the buck stop?
If "the university" (as my grandfather used to call it) Really wanted to send a message, and clean up its act, it would summarily fire both of those shameless 'shuck & jivers'.
I fear however, that as its academic prowess continues to wane; the once great Carolina, will take the cheapest and most expedient way out. Ie., they will find a way to let Baddour stay, and bribe the Butchster to resign.
I just hope they keep Baddour out of the selection process for our next football coach.
With his track record of 2 losers and 1 cheater, I'd hate to see what he comes up with next.
Class of '78
Agree
Tue, 10/12/2010 - 15:33 — SFPNCNativeThank you from another fan who has enjoyed watching you as well. Greg, it takes courage and class to apologize for your mistakes. Hold your head high, and focus on the positives in your Carolina experience. I agree with "surfer" -- tune out the negatives and the naysayers. Please get your degree one day; you will not be the only one who has faced adversity on campus and has gone back to get their degree from the same school. Please give yourself that gift.
Well put SFPNC Hopefully all
Tue, 10/12/2010 - 20:40 — unc098Well put SFPNC
Hopefully all these kids will stick around and get their degree. It will be difficult considering all the drama, but if they choose to do it they will not regret it.
What a fine piece of fiction
Tue, 10/12/2010 - 15:29 — xpukguyI love that people think these athletes actually say this stuff. Great piece of writing, UNC Sports Information. Keep up the good work. Better get busy with the other statements from the other players.
we know more than you think --
Tue, 10/12/2010 - 15:50 — SFPNCNativeLife he probably had help crafting his reply. But what excuse do you have for being so sarcastic? Oh, that doesn't require any help. The kid made a mistake, and he is paying a big price. But that doesn't mean his life is over. Get a life!!! Living off of writing hateful comments can't be much fun!!
Sounds sincere -
Tue, 10/12/2010 - 15:28 — ProwlingWoofieI hope that he truly uses this as a learning experience and avoids vultures down the road.
I also hope that this wasn't scripted by a tutor and that they are his words and sentiments.
Good luck, Greg - life's lessons are often painful.
Nice words.
Tue, 10/12/2010 - 15:15 — SurferThanks Greg for all the hard work and effort. Don't listen to all the negative comments that will be made by those that just don't care. As you say, use this a a learning exprience and if there is a next time, just say "no thanks".