Charlie Merkel, the legal representative for Terry Warren, identified in Ole Miss’ NCAA investigative case as Booster No. 5, was notified Friday morning by the attorneys representing the University of Mississippi that Warren has been fully reinstated immediately pending an appeal to the NCAA by the university of all the accusations regarding Warren and Rebel Rags in the amended Notice of Allegations.

Warren will be fully reinstated until the appeal is exhausted and a verdict is handed down. Ole Miss recently filed an intention to appeal to the NCAA. The university is appealing the lack of institutional control charge, the unofficial visitor restriction and the 2018 postseason ban. The allegations against Rebel Rags are a major point of contention.

Merkel was in the process of petitioning the court for a stay on behalf of Warren when they were notified of the university’s decision on reinstatement. After the attorneys decided to appeal the Rebel Rags charges on behalf of Warren, Merkel and Warren concluded the petition for a stay was no longer needed at this time. Should the appeal not come out in favor of Warren, Booster No. 5, his attorneys are prepared to petition the court for another stay until this matter is completely resolved.

Merkel said he has not heard, as of this morning, from the Mississippi Supreme Court, which will render a decision on the appeal launched by representation for both Kobe Jones and Leo Lewis regarding change of venue. This does not mean that depositions will not go forward, the CoV decision will only determine which court will hear the case. The suit regarding Lindsey Miller will be heard in Lafayette County Court. Should the Mississippi Supreme Court rule in Warren’s favor, Jones and Lewis will be heard in Lafayette County Court as well.

Joint statement from Merkel and Warren: “We would like to thank the University of Mississippi and its administration, athletics director Ross Bjork and Chancellor Jeffrey Vitter, for believing in our position, launching this appeal and, through a difficult time, remaining in Mr. Warren’s corner, as they always have, as they fight the erroneous allegations made against Mr. Warren on his behalf.”