Joint Statement from the Coach Larry Coker, Dan Werner and Derrick Crudup Sr and Jr.

April 29, 2003

Coral Gables, Fla., (www.hurricanesports.com) — – The following is a joint statement from University of Miami head football coach Larry Coker, UM quarterback Derrick Crudup Jr., Derrick Crudup Sr., and UM quarterbacks coach Dan Werner:

“We had a very productive meeting yesterday in which we discussed several issues. We are all in agreement that race was not an issue in deciding the quarterback competition. The Crudups regret that Coach Werner was unfairly labeled. Derrick Jr. does not believe Coach Werner is a racially biased person, nor does anyone else involved in this situation. The relationship between Derrick Jr. and Coach Werner is very strong and, even though Derrick Jr. and his father did not agree with Coach Coker’s decision on a starting quarterback, they did respect Coach Coker’s authority to make the decision. The Crudups are adamant that Derrick Jr. is staying at the University of Miami and will continue to compete for the starting job. Sometimes when there are issues that are raised it can make each of us more sensitive to individual differences and that can be a positive. All parties agree that we will move on from this situation united as a family.”