WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT WILLIAMS, UAFS STORY
Edmond Santa Fe grad's accusations against Arkansas-Fort Smith coach sparked national discussion
This week, Edmond native Tyler Williams and his allegations of racial discrimination against University of ArkansasFort Smith Williams men's
basketball coach Jim Boone have stirred up discussion across social media and the national sports landscape.
So, where does the story stand? The Oklahoman provides a timeline and answers questions about what's happened and what's next:
Timeline
April 9, 2019: Jim Boone is hired at University of
Arkansas-Fort Smith.
Aug. 15: Williams moves into UAFS for his senior season.
Aug. 16: Williams and his parents, Reginald and Tiffini Williams, meet with Boone about an offseason comment from Boone that Tyler Williams felt was racist. Boone denies allegations of racism. Williams is dismissed from the team.
Aug. 17: Williams moves out of UAFS.
Aug. 26: Williams begins classes at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany.
Sept. 1: A letter the Williamses sent to UAFS is leaked on social media, detailing Williams' allegations of racial discrimination by Boone.
Sept 3: UAFS releases an email statement to students, staff and faculty acknowledging an investigation by its Equal Employment Opportunity officer in the Department of Human Resources into allegations “from a student and his parents.” The statement condemns racism and retaliation and closes by saying “we must continually assess and work to create an inclusive environment that values all members of our community.”
Sept. 5: The Mars Law Firm, on behalf of Boone, releases a five-page statement denying the allegations by Williams against Boone. A member of the UAFS men's basketball team, junior guard Matthew Wilson, posts a joint statement on his Twitter page which voices support of Boone. The post is retweeted by numerous UAFS players and former players of Boone.
Three questions What is the status of UAFS's investigation?
As of Friday afternoon when contacted by The Oklahoman, UAFS had not released any findings from its investigation. Boone remains on staff at UAFS.
What was the crux of the Mars Law Firm's statement and investigation?
The Mars Law Firm, piloted by NCAAemployed lawyer Thomas Mars, alleges that Williams intended to transfer all along and needed evidence to show his transfer was a result of mistreatment by t he U AF S coaching staff so that he could gain immediate eligibility in basketball.
Is Williams eligible to play at Southern Nazarene?
SNU confirmed to The Oklahoman that Williams is currently enrolled in school. Williams is allowed to practice with the team and on Aug. 30, the SNU Men's Basketball Twitter page posted a birthday message to Williams, along with a photo of him in an SNU uniform.
But the university has yet to respond to an inquiry into whether or not the senior is eligible to play. Williams is not listed on S NU' son line roster.
On Williams' audio recording of the Aug. 16 meeting, Boone closes by saying Williams can go wherever he wants with no restrictions. The question of immediate eligibility at the next school is murkier and not up to UAFS.
In 2016, Williams started his collegiate career at Division I I Northeastern Oklahoma State( T ah lequ ah, a four-year university) then transferred to Allen County Community College (Kan., a two-year college) following the resignation of Jason Tinsley as head coach in March of 2017. Williams earned his associates degree from Allen County and transferred to Division II UAFS (a four-year university) in 2018 for his junior season.
Since Williams is at his third four-year university in four years (4-2-44), the NCAA rule book for Division II athletics, By law 14.5.5.3.9 states that“a student-a thle te who, prior to the transfer to the certifying institution, attended two four-year institutions” does not meet the conditions of a one-time transfer exemption for immediately eligibility.
S NU must apply for a waiver to the NCAA, which will decide if William si sim me diat ely eligible or must sit out a required“year in residence .” It' s just one reason why the NCAA's interpretation of Williams' allegations against Boone and how it views the cir cumstances of his transfer are important.