Jan. 6, 2011
COLLEGE STATION - Aggie senior sprinter Curtis Mitchell, with a year of eligibility remaining in the Texas A&M track and field program, has decided to pursue a professional career.
Regarding the matter, Aggie head coach Pat Henry said: "I'm not unhappy with Curtis' ultimate goal of being a professional athlete, but I do take issue with the timing and the manner in which this occurred.
"It's often assumed that athletes make this professional move due to academic ineligibility. Curtis was in good standing academically, with no problems what so ever, and was ready to go athletically as well. He leaves with a year of eligibility remaining and his education unfinished.
"We have agents and management groups who prey on young people's financial dreams and aspirations with no regard to the person's education or even athletic growth. This particular situation borders on legal issues with respect to agents and state laws.
"Of course I wish Curtis all the best, but I think the timing of his decision was misguided."
Mitchell won the 2010 NCAA Indoor title in the 200 meters and earned the silver medal in the 200 at the 2010 NCAA Outdoor Championships. He also ran a leg on Texas A&M's gold-medal winning 4 x 400 relays at both NCAA Championship meets last season.