NCAA gives Fresno State athletics four years probation

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FRESNO, California - The NCAA placed Fresno State's athletic department on four years probation Tuesday, following a joint investigation of possible rules violations from 1995-2002.

The violations, stemming from Jerry Tarkanian's run as basketball coach, related to academic fraud, improper certification practices and a failure to report evidence of violations, coupled with competitive advantages gained and a lack of institutional control.

With the university placing itself on two years probation in March, the NCAA was rather lenient on the school, adding an additional two years. The probationary period ends December 4, 2006.

"We appreciate the NCAA's acceptance of the severe actions we took to correct problems and self-assess penalties on our programs," school president John Welty said. "We acknowledge there were clearly areas that needed addressing."

The NCAA also required the basketball team to vacate the record of its performance in the 2000 NCAA Tournament and return 90 percent of the money it earned for the appearance. The school already had forfeited games that included ineligible players and vacated the 2000 Western Athletic Conference basketball championship.

In March, a day after Fresno State placed itself on probation, the WAC agreed to prohibit schools that are ineligible for postseason play from participating in the conference tournament, making the Bulldogs ineligible for the 2003 league tournament title. They captured the regular-season WAC crown.

Fresno State will be able to compete in the 2003-04 postseason.

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index

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