Sept. 13, 2006

The following are statements made on Wednesday by University of Northern Colorado Director of Athletics Jay S. Hinrichs and head football coach Scott Downing on the injury to punter Rafael Mendoza and suspension of Mitch Cozad.

STATEMENT FROM DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS JAY HINRICHS
"Our first priority at the University of Northern Colorado is the health and well-being of our students. The administrative processes we have in place support that philosophy and allowed us to respond swiftly to this situation.

As you know, we learned late Monday night that football student-athlete Mitch Cozad was questioned by the Evans Police Department in an investigation of the assault on Northern Colorado punter Rafael Mendoza.

Mr. Cozad was suspended from the team prior to noon on Tuesday, pending further investigation. He was also suspended from the university and was arrested later in the day.

We continue to hold the behavior of our students to a very high standard. We will continue to emphasize this expectation with all of our student-athletes."

STATEMENT FROM HEAD FOOTBALL COACH Scott Downing
"The No. 1 priority of our coaching staff and program is the welfare of every student-athlete. Each decision we make takes this into account.

We also hold our student-athletes to a high level of accountability, and they understand our expectations.

We responded quickly to address the situation with Mr. Cozad. He was suspended from the team before noon on Tuesday.

It is our intent to minimize disruption of the team's activities as much as possible. We are trying to avoid any disruption to our team as it prepares to take on nationally-ranked Texas State this weekend."