March 22, 2001

Waco, Texas - Baylor Head Baseball Coach Steve Smith announced Thursday the immediate and indefinite suspension of Derek Brehm and Clint Bowers from the Baylor baseball team for their alleged involvement in an off-campus animal cruelty incident.

"After reviewing this matter further, I feel this is the appropriate course of action," Smith said. "What Derek and Clint are charged with is unacceptable conduct for a Baylor baseball player. They are both being held accountable for their behavior."

Smith has asked student development administrators to consider including professional counseling as part of any disciplinary action taken by the University. The students' disciplinary case is being expedited by the dean for student development services and will be handled in accordance with policies and procedures published in the University's student handbook.

"These are fine young men and I want them to get the support they need to ensure that an incident of this nature never takes place again," Smith said.