SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Summit League released a statement and has announced discipline for the incident
involving coaches, staff and student-athletes that occurred following the Oral Roberts-North Dakota State men’s
basketball game on Feb. 17, 2022.
“The Summit League and its member institutions have a shared responsibility to ensure sportsmanship
standards are followed at all times,” Summit League Commissioner Elect Josh Fenton said. “Unfortunately, the
incident following the ORU-NDSU game on Feb. 17 fell well short of our conduct expectations for coaches, staff
and student-athletes. The actions of all those involved do not reflect our shared values or meet conduct
standards that we have in place for our members.”
Following a full review of the situation and pursuant to the policy on unsportsmanlike conduct, the Summit
League has issued a letter of reprimand and a maximum fine of $5,000 to Oral Roberts head coach Paul Mills and
North Dakota State head coach Dave Richman.
Additionally, the League has issued half-game suspensions to Elijah Lufile and Jamie Bergens of Oral Roberts and
Grant Nelson and Boden Skunberg of North Dakota State. All suspensions will be served during the first half of
each program’s contest on Saturday, Feb. 19.
The fines are permitted in accordance to League bylaws and will go towards student-athlete initiatives specific
to diversity and inclusion and mental health awareness.
Joint Statement from North Dakota State and Oral Roberts
“The events that unfolded at the end of our basketball game on Feb. 17 were failures by both programs to
display the Summit League’s and our expected sportsmanship standards. We apologize and take responsibility
for not upholding these values and expectations. Moving forward, we are committed to appropriate and
respectful sportsmanlike behavior within competition.”
The League office will have no further comment on this incident.
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