Jan. 17, 2001

LAS VEGAS - Statement from UNLV President Carol Harter:

"UNLV Athletic Director Charles Cavagnaro reported to me that he had a very productive day-long meeting today with basketball coach Rick Pitino in Miami.

"I am encouraged by what I understand to be the positive tone of the meeting, because this was meant to be a sharing of ideas and philosophies, rather than a negotiation of an immediate change in head coaches for UNLV's men's basketball team. Today's meeting was a preliminary conversation between UNLV and Coach Pitino, the University made no offer of employment, nor did the coach seek one.

"I am pleased the conversations went so well and that both parties agreed that the appropriate time for the next meeting would be sometime in mid-February.

"I would like to reaffirm that coach Max Good will continue to coach the Rebels throughout the current basketball season."