Arbitration claim by Matt Lindland ruled upon by arbitrator; deciding bout against Keith Sieracki to

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Gary Abbott (USA Wrestling)
08/10/2000


USA Wrestling has been notified that the arbitration claim, filed by Matt Lindland, concerning his championship series match at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Wrestling in Dallas, Texas, has been ruled upon by the arbitrator.    This is concerning Case Number 30 190 00443 00 in the matter of arbitration between Matt Lindland and USA Wrestling. The decision was reached by arbitrator Daniel T. Burns on August 9, 2000.    The third and deciding match for the 76 kg/167.5 pound position on the U.S. Olympic Team for Greco-Roman wrestling, Bout #244, will be re-wrestled prior to noon on Monday, August 14, according to the decision reached by the arbitrator.    Lindland was defeated by Sieracki in the championship finals series at 76 kg/167.5 pounds at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Wrestling in Dallas, Texas, June 24, 2000, two matches to one.     In Dallas, Lindland protested the third and final match, which was awarded to Sieracki. The Protest Committee for the Olympic Team Trials upheld the decision, giving the victory to Sieracki.    Lindland, pursuant to USA Wrestling rules, appealed the Protest Committee's decision to USA Wrestling's Greco-Roman Sport Committee. That body agreed with the Protest Committee's decision on July 19, 2000, denying Lindland's appeal.    Lindland sought arbitration of his claim, and in a July 27, 2000 preliminary hearing, Lindland and USA Wrestling agreed to the arbitration.    Based upon the decision of the arbitrator, the championship series between Lindland and Sieracki stands tied at one match each, with the deciding third bout to be re-wrestled by August 14. Specific information on the location and time of the match will be posted when available.