In Houston's own words

UPDATE: Blutarsky found this nugget from Ron Courson who basically blasts a whole in Emmert's self-righteous ship. Excellent reading, terrific quotes, but ultimately confounding. #FreeKoltonHouston

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This morning's news wasn't what I had hoped. I was becoming more and more hopeful we'd see Houston in action September 1st. Now that hope has taken a hit. But Kolton appreces our support.

AJ sold a jersey and the NCAA made an example of him. Houston had shoulder surgery (in high school, two and a half years ago) and now they're aiming at a bigger target. And Dr. Emmert doesn't have time for science.

The Houston family approved the release of the documents, which otherwise would be protected by federal privacy laws. Family lawyers and Georgia have continued to appeal the case.

The latest appeal came on July 12 when athletic director Greg McGarity sent a personal letter to NCAA President Mark Emmert”

“Mr. Houston, his parents and our staff acknowledge the fact that the results of that test severely impacted his ability to compete as a student-athlete at UGA, and the Houston family accepted the responsibility for this unfortunate situation. Since the initial test confirmation on April 13, 2010, Mr. Houston has been tested very frequently by the NCAA and UGA, and there is scientific evidence that clearly demonstrates that there has been no re-use  over the past 2 1/2 years. While we have fought for Mr. Houston’s restoration of eligibility through every imaginable NCAA process available without any success, we will maintain our effort to see this through to the very end. It is disappointing to witness this scenario play out for  2 1/2 years with Mr. Houston’s eligibility in question. . . . We are appealing to you on behalf of the young man who has done everything possible to clear himself.”

Georgia did not get the reply it sought from Emmert. In a July 31 letter, he wrote:

“While I understand the institution’s empathy for Kolton’s situation, I am surprised the institution would make a request. That surprise stems in part from the fact that Kolton tested positive in subsequent drug tests after his initial sanction, and the Drug Test Appeals Subcommittee did not impose additional sanctions . . . due to the “declining value” argument that supported the conclusion that there was no use of the banned substance. The exit test policy, however, which would require Kolton not to have elevated levels of the banned substance in his system prior to competing against other student-athletes who are competiting clean, is not something that can be appealed because doing so would undermine the purpose of the drug-testing program. . . . The fact remains that  Kolton currently hasthe presence of a banned substance in his system and will not be able to participate in NCAA competition until that presence drops to an appropriate threshold.”

AD McGarity...I'm gonna need this Emmert guy's address.