BATON ROUGE -- LSU head women’s basketball coach Pokey Chatman issued the following statement on Wednesday:

“I have notified the University today that I will step down as Head Coach of the Women’s Basketball program in order to allow me to pursue other career opportunities.

“I will continue to serve as head coach until LSU’s participation in the NCAA tournament is concluded.  That will allow this team to successfully enter and compete in the upcoming NCAA tournament.  I will continue on contract until April 30, 2007.

“I appreciate the opportunities afforded me at LSU and the cooperation of the University in allowing me to pursue other career opportunities.

“To eliminate any further distraction from our preparation for and participation in the NCAA tournament, I will have no further comment and answer no questions on this subject.  I hope you will honor that position.

“Thank you.”

STATEMENT FROM LSU ATHLETIC DIRECTOR SKIP BERTMAN

BATON ROUGE – LSU athletic director Skip Bertman has issued the following statement regarding the resignation of head women’s basketball coach Pokey Chatman:

“We respect the decision that Pokey Chatman has made regarding her future career opportunities.  On behalf of LSU, I thank her for her athletic accomplishments as a player and as a coach, and for the community service work she has performed for Baton Rouge and Louisiana.  We wish her success in her future endeavors.

“In the best interests of the LSU women’s basketball team as they prepare for post-season competition, I will make no further comment on Coach Chatman’s decision”