Penn State women's basketball coach Rene Portland officially made a statement yesterday regarding the granted release sophomore guard Jen Harris and freshman guard Lisa Etienne received from the Penn State basketball team.

Harris has stated that Lady Lions coach Rene Portland told her, Etienne and freshman guard Amber Bland individually to seek a transfer after Penn State's NCAA tournament loss to Liberty on March 20.

Portland, who had been unavailable for comment to The Daily Collegian since Harris' allegations were made public last Wednesday, officially released a statement yesterday in a press release. Portland's statement confirmed that Harris and Lisa Etienne requested and were granted a release from the Lady Lions last Thursday.

Portland's statement also addressed the status of freshman guard Amber Bland, who Harris said was also told to seek another program.

"She is currently participating in post-season workouts, study halls and team activities," Portland said in her statement. "I want to stress that all conversations with the student-athletes have been done individually and we have handled each situation individually as well. We will continue to do so."

The statement did not confirm or deny the allegations that Harris, Etienne or Bland were told by Portland after the loss to seek another program.

"Out of respect for all of our student-athletes," Portland said in the statement. "The events leading up to their release requests, along with all individual conversations, will continue to be treated as an internal team matter."

Portland stated in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on Friday that Bland's status was "in limbo."

Bland and Etienne have been unavailable for comment since Harris' statements were originally made public last Wednesday.