Team Major Taylor leader banned from Little 500

The IU Student Foundation announced it will ban the director of Team Major Taylor, IU's first all-black cycling team, from all Little 500 activities. \nThe ban comes after a two-year investigation of Courtney Bishop about reported recruiting violations, in which time IUSF claims Bishop promised riders scholarships in exchange for participation on the team.\nIUSF took no action against members of the team, but TMT representatives would not confirm if it still plans to participate in this year's race.\nDante Pryor and Julio German, TMT riders in 2002, told University officials they were offered full scholarships to cover tuition and room and board to ride in Little 500, but Bishop never fulfilled his promise. Both riders said they amassed substantial debt after not receiving the scholarships and Pryor was forced to transfer to New York University.\nOffering scholarships contingent on participation in the race is a clear violation of IUSF rules, said Rob Rhamy, IUSF director and former race coordinator, when the controversy started.\nA University investigation, led by Dean of Students Richard McKaig and IU Vice Chancellor Eduardo Rhodes at the request of Interim IU-Bloomington Chancellor Ken Gros Louis and Vice President for Institutional Development and Student Affairs Charlie Nelms, concluded last semester that IUSF would be more capable of making a decision \nregarding TMT's status and deciding on a punishment.\nRhamy said he, along with current race coordinator Lucas Calhoun, made the decision to ban Bishop from all aspects of the race for life, but not to punish the rest of the team, because he said they were not responsible for Bishop's actions. \n"Courtney Bishop's actions were directly affecting the experience of the riders in a negative way," Rhamy said. "We felt it was unfair to punish the entire team because the University report basically identifies Courtney Bishop as sole decision maker for the team."\nIUSF did not hold a formal hearing or hear any comments from Bishop. It notified Bishop, German, Pryor and the current riders of the decision through letters sent Dec. 22, 2005, and subsequent follow-up e-mails. IUSF has not heard any response from the team and hasn't had any conversations with them over the phone.\nBishop told the Indiana Daily Student he disagrees with IUSF's decision, which he felt was "based on lies."\n"I am devastated that they decided to do this," Bishop said. "It has ruined my life."\nBishop said he was particularly distraught because he feels that TMT, along with Team Marshall, IU's all-black women's team, and Team Mezcla, a Hispanic team, all enhance the race experience for IU and that his ban could jeopardize that. \n"I have been involved in diversity outreach for years," he said. "For 55 years, there weren't any black or diverse teams in Little 500 and we were able to add these diverse teams in just three years."\nBishop said he could not say if he planned to appeal the decision or even if the team would continue to compete in his absence. It is possible Bishop could stay involved with the team in an unofficial capacity without IUSF knowing, but Bishop would not say if he planned to sever ties with the team or try to still be involved.\nMembers of the team were surprised when questioned about Bishop's removal, even though Rhamy said they have all been notified of the decision.\n"That's news to me," said rider Joshua Weir.\n"I don't know why they would get rid of Courtney Bishop because he has done a lot for Team Major Taylor," said rider Steven Ballinger.\nNelms, who has been very supportive of TMT in the past, said he thought the decision was fair and is looking forward to continued diversity representation in the race. He did voice his respect for Bishop for starting the team as well.\n"I'm impressed that the students in Team Major Taylor were not punished and that they can continue to compete in the race," he said.\nPryor, currently taking part in the Colavita Cycling team in New York, said he felt relieved when he heard of the decision.\n"I'm just glad they finally did something," he said. "I'm just glad Courtney isn't part of the race anymore and he won't exploit future riders."\nTMT has been marked by both success and controversy ever since the team entered its first race in 2002. In its first year, Weir, then a freshman, was declared ineligible for the race because he had competed in a Category I race, which includes a class of professional riders. After an arbitration hearing, IUSF reversed its decision only to find other teams protest the ruling.\nTMT has also seen success, finishing ninth its first year, second in 2003, fourth in 2004 and 16th in 2005. Rhamy said he hopes to see this tradition of excellence continue -- even though Bishop won't be involved.\n"Team Major Taylor has done a tremendous amount of good," Rhamy said. "The effect they have had on making the race more diverse cannot be overstated"