Cypress’ Pickler Suspended by Conference

Brad Pickler, who has coached the Cypress College softball team to four state championships, has been suspended by the Orange Empire Conference for violating rules regarding out-of-district recruiting and preferential treatment of athletes.

Cypress Athletic Director Diane Henry said the conference, responding to an unidentified complaint, suspended Pickler from coaching during the first round of conference play in 2001. He will be allowed to coach in nonconference games and during the second and third rounds of conference play.

“We had a complaint, the conference investigated and we accepted the decision of the conference to suspend him,” Henry said.

Henry would not discuss details of the violations, but a statement released by the school said Pickler had violated two sections of the Commission on Athletics Constitution recruiting articles.

Section 12.1.4 defines the procedures for dealing with athletes who reside outside a community college’s designated recruiting area.

Section 12.3.2 states that “The giving of special privileges or consideration to athletes is forbidden.” It cites specific examples such as financial rewards, loans, grants, reduced rates for housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation and student body cards.

Pickler, who coached the Chargers to state titles in 1991, ‘97, ’98 and ‘99, could not be reached for comment. Conference Commissioner T. Mark Johnson deferred all inquires to Cypress officials.