The University of Memphis and Tom Bowen have granted Austin Nichols a conditional transfer release from his National Letter of Intent, the school announced Thursday morning. Nichols still has not spoken to Pastner in over two weeks, a source told GoTigers247; however, he apparently talked with Bowen by phone on Thursday.

“I spoke with Austin Nichols this morning and informed him the University of Memphis will grant to him a conditional release from his National Letter of Intent," Bowen said in a statement. "While we are disappointed in this outcome and the timing of this situation, we respect his wishes to pursue other opportunities. We appreciate Austin’s contributions to the Tigers and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

According to a source close to the situation, Nichols will not be allowed to transfer to any school within the American Athletic Conference, as well as any team on future non-conference schedules.

Moreover, a source told GoTigers247 that Tennessee will be restricted, and Nichols cannot become a Volunteer, regardless of the fact tha they are not on the schedule. Jason Smith of the Commercial Appeal confirmed with the Emerald Coast Classic that Memphis, Iowa, Providence and Virginia will be in the 2016 tournament field, meaning Nichols cannot attend any of those schools either.

There are still questions to be answered in terms of why this is happening in the first place. But at least we now have a bit of closure and the team can move on and focus on next season. I believe it is best for both parties that this did not linger into the fall semester.

U of M president Dr. M. David Rudd has also offered a statement on the situation:

“It has been a pleasure to have Austin Nichols as a student-athlete at the University of Memphis for the past two years," Rudd said. "His performance on the court has provided many thrilling moments for our fans. Austin has been a wonderful role model on our campus and in our community. We offer our best wishes for his continued success both on and off the court.”

As I've always said, no one person is bigger than the program. We will continue to strive for competitive excellence. — Memphis Basketball (@Memphis_MBB) July 9, 2015



