DiTolla ‘Supportive’ of Sneed After Talking to Titan Players

Nine members of the Cal State Fullerton basketball team, including five of the Titans’ top seven players, met with Athletic Director Steve DiTolla for two hours Wednesday, airing their concerns with the program and Coach John Sneed.

“We let the athletic director know what was going on,” said Joe Small, Fullerton’s leading scorer. “I’m not sure what will happen, but the meeting went OK.”

None of the players would comment on the specifics of the meeting, but several had said this week they wanted Sneed dismissed.

Those in attendance Wednesday were starters Wayne Williams, Aaron Wilhite, Agee Ward and Small; reserves J.D. Green, Marcus Bell, Jason Kerian and walk-on Tom Parada, and redshirt junior Aaron Sunderland.

Starter Bruce Bowen, who had said he would not join any movement to oust Sneed, reserve Kevin Ahsmuhs and suspended reserves Ron Caldwell, Greg Vernon and Michael Bloodworth did not attend.

DiTolla would not discuss details of the meeting but said, “We talked about a lot of things. They have some concerns, as does the coaching staff. At this point, we have a problem we have to work out.”

DiTolla gave Sneed a vote of confidence, even after listening to disgruntled basketball players for two hours Wednesday.

“I’m still very supportive of John Sneed--he’s our basketball coach, and I’ll say that 100 times,” DiTolla said. “I have the utmost confidence in him. We’ll try to work out these problems in due time.”

Sneed, reached Wednesday night, wouldn’t comment at length on the matter but said he was doing “as well as could be expected.” Asked if he had any intentions of resigning, he said “None at all. It’s in the hands of the administration.”

DiTolla said if he deems it necessary he will talk to assistant coaches, former players and assistants and those close to the program to get further input before making any decisions.

DiTolla, who was named interim athletic director two weeks ago when Ed Carroll resigned, emphasized that the decision to dismiss or retain Sneed will be his.

Sneed, whose teams have a 43-43 record in three years, is in the second year of a three-year contract. The school would have to honor the third year if Sneed is fired.

“(School President Milton) Gordon told me clearly that I’m the athletic director for the next four months,” DiTolla said. “When I assumed that role, I assumed the responsibility. I look at it as a challenge.”

If Sneed stays, DiTolla said it will “be up to him” to determine what action to take against players. Scholarships are renewed on an annual basis, and players must be notified by July 1 if their scholarships are not being renewed.

Several players, including Wilhite, said they might transfer if changes aren’t made. Others, including Small and Green, said they would return regardless of the coaching situation.