After Talks With NCAA Officials, Thompson Ends Boycott

John Thompson, Georgetown’s basketball coach, said Friday that he will end his boycott and return to the bench for today’s game against Connecticut at Landover, Md.

Thompson’s decision was based on what he said was the National Collegiate Athletic Assn.’s “sincere commitment” to re-evaluate controversial Proposal 42, which would create stricter entrance requirements for freshmen.

Thompson announced his decision a day after he and Georgetown administrators had met in Mission, Kan., with several NCAA officials to discuss Proposal 42.

“Nothing negative was involved,” Thompson said. “We didn’t have to beat anyone over the head, or threaten anyone. It was a good, friendly discussion.”

Thompson said last week that he would boycott NCAA-sanctioned events unless something was done about the controversial proposal. He walked off the court just before Georgetown’s game against Boston College last Saturday and continued his protest by skipping the Hoyas’ game against Providence on Wednesday.