BU athletics banned from America East championships in 2012-13

By Tyler Lay/DFP Staff

Following Boston University’s decision to transfer its athletics from America East to the Patriot League, the America East has made a decision of its own.

According to Jenifer Barsell, BU’s associate athletic director for marketing communications, the America East schools who shall remain in the athletic conference voted to exclude BU from competing in conference championships during the 2012-13 seasons.

“Unfortunately it is [true]. America East made the decision not to allow [BU] to participate [in America East Championships],” Barsell said.

America East Director of Communications Sean Tainsh said that while BU will be ineligible for America East Championships, BU student-athletes will be eligible to receive all awards.

Four BU teams will still be able to participate in championships because they are not in America East and will remain in their respective conferences. Men’s and women’s hockey will still participate in Hockey East, men’s rowing will remain in the Eastern Association of Rowing, and wrestling will remain in the Colonial Athletic Association.

However, a total of 18 teams will be excluded from conference postseason play, including four – women’s soccer, swimming and diving, women’s indoor track & field and softball -that are defending champions.

Barsell also said the athletic department was not surprised by the conference’s decision due to a recent precedent set by the CAA. Georgia State University and Old Dominion University were each banned from CAA championship play in 2012-13 because of their move to new conferences in 2013-14. GSU will be leaving the CAA for the Sun Belt, whereas ODU is taking its competition to Conference USA.

While it is unconfirmed, Chris Villani of ESPN tweeted that BU may counter the decision with a lawsuit against the league to fight the sanctions.

CORRECTION: An unnamed BU athlete originally told the Daily Free Press that BU student-athletes would be ineligible to receive America East awards and accolades in 2012-13, but the statement was later corrected by the America East.

This post republished from the Freep's website.