Former bulldog coach fights NCAA sanctions regarding phone calls

Staff Report
The Collegian

Past and present Fresno State officials journeyed to Texas over the holiday weekend to present the university’s case to the NCAA Committee on Infractions.

The committee is considering sanctions against Fresno State in response to rule violations committed by former men’s basketball coach Ray Lopes involving excessive phone calls to recruits.

Lopes, now a scout with the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, and current basketball coach Steve Cleveland were among the delegation that traveled to San Antonio in an effort to persuade the NCAA that the university’s self-imposed sanctions are sufficient and that the conference need not impose further restrictions.

The school’s self-imposed penalties include a one-year ban on post-season play that includes both the Western Athletic Conference tournament and any post-season national tournaments, such as the NIT and NCAA tournaments. Fresno State has also placed various restrictions on recruiting.

Lopes and his staff made hundreds of phone calls to recruits between April 2002 and Nov. 2004 that university officials said violated NCAA regulations, prompting the self-imposed penalties.

The university was already on probation until December of last year due to rule violations committed under former coach Jerry Tarkanian including allegations of academic fraud and illegal benefits for players.

If the NCAA decides to impose further restrictions it could potentially limit the amount and number of scholarships available to players or take even more drastic steps against Fresno State.

The conference by-laws state the minimum sentence for repeat offenders may include a loss of scholarships and elimination of participation in sporting events including post-season play.

The rules also allow for exceptions, however.

A final decision from the NCAA is expected within six to eight weeks.

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