Jan. 23, 2001

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – After a bizarre mishap in Sunday’s game, West Virginia junior Chris Moss issued an apology to the University of Notre Dame on Monday.

“I would like to publicly apologize for my actions on Sunday at Notre Dame,” Moss said. “I’m sorry for my behavior that occurred within the heat of competition which caused me to overreact to the situation. This will never happen again.”

Also he announced that he would be taking a leave of absence from the Mountaineer basketball team.

Moss got called for two technical fouls in Sunday’s contest. His emotions ran high after the second call and he had to be restrained by his coaches and teammates. While being dragged off the floor, Moss spit on a Notre Dame cheerleader.

The junior is not a dirty player according to the Irish team. Many of the players seemed surprised at his actions on Sunday, including Mountaineer head coach Gale Catlett.

“He is very sorry about the incident at Notre Dame,” Catlett said. “He’s a great young man, and this was totally out of character for Chris. He has never been a problem.”

Catlett furthered explained that Moss would take an extended leave to get his personal life in order. Moss’ mother is severely ill and many believe his personal life attributed to his behavior on Sunday.

Moss has not set an exact date of return.

The Big East will not take further disciplinary actions with Moss.