UVa Confirms Basketball Players Interviewed in Morgan Harrington Case

Updated: 6:42 PM Nov 24, 2009

Players Interacted with Female Matching Morgan's Description

University of Virginia Assistant Vice President of Public Affairs, Carol Wood, released a statement Tuesday afternoon confirming that some members of the Virginia men's basketball team were interviewed as witnesses in the Morgan Harrington case.

Posted: 1:07 PM Nov 24, 2009
Reporter: Liz Palka
Email Address: liz.palka@newsplex.com

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November 24, 2009

University of Virginia Assistant Vice President of Public Affairs, Carol Wood, released a statement Tuesday afternoon confirming that a woman matching Morgan Harrington's description approached some members of the UVa men's basketball team after their practice.

Harrington was last seen on the Copeley Road bridge near University Hall. If you have any information that could help police, or recall seeing something strange in that area that night, there is a Virginia State Police tip line to call, and you can leave an anonymous tip.

The number is 434-352-3467.

Wood says the basketball players were interviewed as witnesses, and they cooperated completely with police. Their names are not being released.

The statement from UVa Public Affairs reads:

"Because of the number of rumors that have been circulating about members of the University's men's basketball team in regard to the Morgan Harrington case, we felt it was important to make a statement to set the record straight.

As police worked to establish a time line of October 17 in hopes of locating Ms. Harrington, they interviewed a number of witnesses, including some members of the men's basketball team. After a practice, team members had been approached by a female consistent with Ms. Harrington's description.

They cooperated fully with law enforcement investigators and, like other witnesses interviewed by the police, they provided information that is important to police efforts to establish Ms. Harrington's movements."

Dan and Gil Harrington said they didn't know it was confirmed the basketball players interacted with Morgan that night. While it is helpful, Dan Harrington said they need to know what happened later that night.

"The information that we really need is what happened after she was over next to the track and got on the bridge," said Harrington.

The Harrington's recently said they want Morgan home by Thanksgiving. They say they have a lot to be sad about this Thanksgiving, but, there are still things to be grateful for.

"Our neighbors, and our friends, and communities have supported us to the huge extent that they have," said Gil Harrington, Morgan's mother. "It really has been overwhelming and humbling how much people have done for us."

Dan and Gil Harrington say not knowing where Morgan is gets harder as time goes on. But, if it takes everything they have, they will keep hope alive.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Watson Location: Richmond on Nov 25, 2009 at 08:20 AM

Their contact with her was known, but it was so far before the time of disappearence and so far from her last sighting that it wasn't deemed significant. The police knew about it and could have interviewed them anytime, but they didn't think it was necessary yet. When people overreacted, they went to the police to prove nothing untoward had happened, that they were not avoiding questions and they had evey intention of cooperating. They wanted to stop rumors that had no basis. Further castigating shows lack of knowledge and an attempt to harm these kids, which is what caused them to voluntarily go to the police in the first place. We have seen a series of horrendous crimes committed by students from other schools in the state. That is absolute fact. Go criticize them.

Posted by: Cary Location: Waynesboro on Nov 25, 2009 at 02:27 AM

Reading all the comments about Morgan disappearance so sad that information is being brought out 1 piece at a time. Think before my children venture off to Charlottesville I will have a GPS chip implanted. Do you think then the police would find them? Just a thought Keep Morgan in your prayers and pray for the Police. It is a shame that UVA has not donated to the reward. Why not?

Posted by: Ashamed Location: Cville on Nov 24, 2009 at 09:52 PM

Are you kidding! UVA has had this information for how long? These two athletes waited for how many weeks to speak up? There is no excuse for such disregard for the family or the well being of Morgan. It seems that UVA's only concern is it's reputation, and the athletes. How long did the "new" head coach know about this? and how is he being handled. It's one thing for JPJ arena and it's security and management to stonewall and turn a blind eye, but for UVA to follow suit is disturbing and just wrong. Step up and make a difference. I would think this type of behavior and action would upset a lot of UVA donors and alumni. Maybe if it hurt UVA's pocket book. Funny that UVA hasn't offered any funding or reward for info leading to finding Morgan. UVA's actions and in-actions make me sick.

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