June 29, 2011

GREENVILLE, N.C. - Ashley Clarke, who recently completed her junior season as a member of the East Carolina women's basketball team, has been dismissed from the program following an arrest Saturday morning according to an announcement from head coach Heather Macy Wednesday afternoon.

The decision came after Macy and school athletics officials were made aware of a felony charge of unlawfully obtaining a credit card filed against Clarke by the East Carolina University Police Department.

"Like the rest of the East Carolina community, we are disturbed and obviously disappointed by the recent events involving our program," Macy said. "The responsibility of mentoring and guiding our players is a continual but inexact process we take very seriously. Although it is disheartening to encounter issues along the way, it will not deter our commitment and vision to build a program based on character and integrity."

Clarke played in all 31 contests during the 2010-11 season, making 22 starts at point guard. She led the team in assists, steals and free throws made and attempted, while standing second in scoring with an average of 9.5 points per game.

Former players Kim Gay, who graduated from the university in May, and Crystal Wilson, who was dismissed from the squad in April because of a violation of team rules, were also charged in the incident.