Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, November 19, 1995 TAG: 9511210032
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: FROM STAFF AND ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTS
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE LENGTH: Medium
Virginia officials said Saturday night they will look into reports the Cavaliers' head trainer attempted to trip a Virginia Tech player on the last play of the Hokies' 36-29 victory at Scott Stadium.
Tech defensive back Antonio Banks was headed down the left sideline in front of the Cavaliers' bench when one of the UVa trainers appeared to stick out his left leg, then pull it back before Banks reached him. A source at WSET (Channel 13), which televised the game regionally, said after reviewing the videotape that it was Joe Gieck, UVa's head trainer.
Gieck told The Associated Press he didn't try to trip Banks.
``If I really wanted to, I would have gone out there and gotten him,'' Gieck said. ``I thought about tackling him, [but] I'm not going to break my leg.''
Athletic director Terry Holland said he would investigate the incident.
``We will review the tapes [today] and meet with any individual or individuals close to the scene of the incident in an attempt to determine exactly what took place,'' Holland said in a release. ``By Monday, we will submit a thorough report to the Atlantic Coast Conference office.
``Any individual or individuals involved will not represent the university at any athletic event until the issue is thoroughly investigated and resolved. Any action by the university and/or the ACC will be announced before our team plays again.
`` ... This was a great football game,'' he said, ``and I would hope the next few days can focus on the accomplishments of the Virginia Tech team rather than this incident.''
by CNB