January 2008
                                          
STATEMENT BY DC SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMMISSION AND CLARK/HUNT/SMOOT

(Washington, DC) - Officials at the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission and Clark/Hunt/Smoot, the Joint Venture which serves as the general contractor for the new DC Major League Ballpark, are acting swiftly after learning that a noose was found in a workers’ temporary break room at the new ballpark project site.

Immediately upon learning of the incident, officials from the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission and Clark/Hunt/Smoot were on-site investigating. Thus far, at least one employee of Truland Systems Corp., the electrical subcontractor on the project, admitted his involvement and was terminated. A full investigation is ongoing. If it is found that others were involved, further terminations or disciplinary actions are likely.

“This type of conduct, whether intended as a joke or not, will not be tolerated. These actions take away from the otherwise positive and productive environment that exists at the project site,” said Gregory A. O’Dell, DC Sports and Entertainment Commission Chief Executive Officer.

DC Sports and Entertainment Commission and Clark/Hunt/Smoot are monitoring Truland's investigation closely and conducting an independent investigation. In addition, the DC Sports and Entertainment and Clark/Hunt/Smoot have scheduled a series of meetings to begin early next week with all job site personnel to discuss this incident and to reinforce that such actions will not be tolerated. It is the policy of the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission and Clark/Hunt/Smoot to promote a safe and positive work environment for all employees.