Below is the press release issued by Thames, Friday afternoon.  It takes little interpretation to realize that this is a clear violation of the settlement that was announced two hours prior to this press release.

The agreement called for BOTH sides to make no negative statements about the other;  nontheless, the Dome Gnome says, [interpretting, here]  "I was right.  I screwed them.  And, the Judge and IHL board agreed with me!  And, since I WON, there will be no further discusssion of the matter." 

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Friday, April 30, 2004                                                   For more information, contact
For Immediate Release                                                 Lisa Mader, (601) 266-4491

                                    Statement by President Shelby Thames
                Regarding the Settlement Agreement with Drs. Glamser and Stringer

I appreciate the thoughtful consideration given to this difficult decision by Justice Anderson and the IHL Board.  I wish this matter could have been resolved without going through this process, but the agreement reached Wednesday is in the best interest of Southern Miss.

I said from the beginning, that it was never my intention to cause financial harm to Drs. Glamser and Stringer, but the evidence provided to me warranted my initiating dismissal proceedings.  This matter could not have been taken lightly because the issues in this case were very serious, as the settlement agreement confirms.

In the coming weeks and months, a debate needs not occur to determine who "won" this matter.  This was never about anyone "winning," but rather what was in the best interest of Southern Miss.  We must keep in mind that Southern Miss is stronger than any one situation.  We have the best students, the brightest faculty and staff, supportive alumni and the unlimited potential to make Southern Miss a world-class institution.