Posted: Friday, April 3, 2009 7:58 am

The local chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity issued a statement regarding the incident in Union City that allegedly involved a fraternity member from the University of Tennessee at Martin campus last weekend.

Initial reports cited all three individuals allegedly connected to the assault of a young man in Union City were Pike fraternity members.

It was also reported the weapon used during the alleged incident was one of the fraternity's paddles.

In light of local media reports, the local chapter of the fraternity issued a statement last week regarding the coverage of the alleged incident. 

"The Epsilon Sigma chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity would like to address reports issued by local media outlets, the Union City Police Department, and Police Chief Joe Garner regarding an alleged incident this past weekend.

"The executive board of Epsilon Sigma chapter, alumni advisors, and national headquarters staff, has been cooperating with the Office of Greek Life and the University of Tennessee at Martin to address the allegations.

"The University and Greek Life Office have concluded through their investigation that this was not a fraternity event and have cleared the name of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity with any involvement.

"While it is an unfortunate event that took place, this alleged assault is in no way a reflection of the Epsilon Sigma chapter, rather, a misguided decision of a few individuals who if found guilty, should be held accountable for their actions. 

"Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity does not encourage or condone the use of violence toward any person or groups of people.

"The alleged assault was not in way a sanctioned or condoned event of the Epsilon Sigma chapter and did not occur on or near the Pi Kappa Alpha house.

"Mr. Drake Gingery was an active member and Mr. Derrick Johnson was a new member going through the new member education program.

"Both individuals have been expelled from the Epsilon Sigma after their involvement was discovered in the alleged assault.

"The third individual Mr. Kyle Sanders is not and never has been a member of our organization and in fact is not even a student at the University of Tennessee at Martin.

"The alleged weapon was not, as stated in many reports, a Pi Kappa Alpha Chapter paddle. The weapon was not property of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, nor was it purchased with fraternity funds.

"For any further questions, please direct them to either Alex Bynum at alejbybu@utm.edu or Corry Essary at pikes01@hotmail.com.