Friday, August 29, 2008

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Aug. 29, 2008) - While acknowledging his continuing support for East Tennessee State University Athletic Director Dave Mullins, ETSU President Dr. Paul E. Stanton Jr. has expressed concern about a sports column that appeared today (August 29, 2008) in a local newspaper.

The column alleges that Stanton had intended to replace Mullins as the university Athletic Director.

Reacting to what he called a "totally erroneous" contention by the newspaper, Stanton again restated the position and opinion he has held since Mullins' appointment as AD more than five years ago:  "Dave Mullins is one of the very best athletic directors we have ever had here at ETSU, and I fully support him."

A column published today in the Bristol Herald Courier had suggested inaccurately that Stanton felt otherwise.