Statement From UTEP Coach Mike Price

Even though we had a bye in our schedule, I got a great victory this weekend. Two and a half years ago Sports Illustrated published an article about me, written by Don Yeager.

For two and a half years I continued to state that the article was not true and that I would prove it and clear my name. My attorney, Steve Heninger, filed a suit against Time Inc. and Sports Illustrated magazine.

We continued to win court battles as we kept recording interviews with people who would prove what was in the article was not true. We were ready to go to court and prove it to a jury. We knew it would be a David and Goliath situation, but we were determined to make the truth come out.

However, faced with the possibility of two more years of waiting, we agreed to go to mediation with Sports Illustrated. The mediation was concluded Friday night. I’m very happy and satisfied with the results of the mediation.

I’m a very happy man right now. I’m living in a great community, working at a great university with a great administration. I love our team and my coaches. I’m very appreciative of everything I have here at UTEP.

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate my wife, Joyce, and my family’s loyalty and love. Without their strength, encouragement and support, I don’t know if I would have made it.

Steve Heninger, my attorney, who I now consider a true friend, gave me tremendous advice and did a great job representing me.

I also want to thank all the thousands of supporters who believed in me.