Chattanooga Mocs' Cory Mock under suspension

photo UTC Mocs logo

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestler Cory Mock has been suspended from the team.

The nationally ranked 165-pounder did not travel with the Mocs this weekend to Annapolis, Md. He also missed the season-opening Hokie Open at Virginia Tech but then wrestled and won three matches as the Mocs went 3-0 at the Eastern Michigan Duals on Nov. 15.

Mock apparently was not supposed to wrestle in those duals or even participate in wrestling practices.

Coach Heath Eslinger, because of student privacy issues, could say little more than "no comment" when asked late Saturday about the situation.

"He's suspended for violation of departmental policies, and that's really all I can say," Eslinger said.

In response to questions about Mock's suspension and eligibility, athletic department spokesman Jay Blackman offered a prepared statement.

"The student-athlete in question remains on suspension from all athletics-related activities for violation of department policy," the statement read. "Because of the complexity of student conduct policies, our head wrestling coach inappropriately and mistakenly allowed the student-athlete to practice with the team and compete on Nov. 15.

"This was not consistent with department policies and the decision to suspend the student-athlete. Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics David Blackburn and Chancellor Steven Sangle emphasize that the initial suspension stands and remains in place indefinitely."

Mock was suspended initially in April and that suspension has remained in force, thus jeoparding his final year of eligibility.

Contact Ward Gossett at wgossett@timesfreepress.com or 423-886-4765. Follow him at Twitter.com/wardgossett.

Upcoming Events