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Lincoln, NE - Nebraska wide receiver Maurice Purify was suspended for the season opener in light of his second arrest in a month span.

Cornhuskers coach Bill Callahan met with the wide receiver on Friday and disclosed Purify will sit out the September 1 home game against Nevada.

According to the Lincoln Journal Star, the meeting came after Purify was sentenced to one year probation and fined $1,250 for the arrests.

Purify was cited for suspicion of DWI after being stopped by police just after midnight on Friday, June 8. He was pulled over for speeding and failing to signal for a turn.

Purify led the Cornhuskers in receiving yards last season with 630 on 34 catches. That included a team-best seven touchdown grabs.

The senior from Eureka, California was also arrested on May 5 and jailed on suspicion of a pair of counts of assault, trespassing, failure to comply and resisting arrest. That arrest came from an argument at a tavern in Lincoln.

Norman, OK - The University of Oklahoma started the appeals process Friday in response to an NCAA ruling that forced the football team to forfeit its victories from the 2005 season.

School president David Boren sent notice of the appeal to NCAA president Myles Brand, but noted that OU was limiting its challenge to “two specific areas among several findings made by the NCAA and penalties assessed.”

“We have accepted the large majority of the NCAA’s findings and penalties because we agree that the highest possible standards of conduct and ethics should be maintained and that when mistakes are made, even if they are unintentional, institutions must be held accountable,” said Boren.

The appeals stem from a case in which three football student-athletes received payment for work not performed at a Norman, Oklahoma automobile dealership. Those benefits totaled approximately $17,000 in unearned wages.

Those athletes include dismissed quarterback Rhett Bomar and lineman J.D. Quinn.

The school was forced to vacate the records for the 2005 season including a bowl game victory. That year, the Sooners finished with an 8-4 overall record and a 6-2 mark in the Big 12. That included a victory over Oregon in the Holiday Bowl.

The school also lost two scholarships through the 2009-10 season, though Oklahoma indicated that the forfeit of victories would be the only penalty challenged by the university.

Boren indicated in his statement the school had followed procedure on tracking employment of its student athletes, and that the “temporary lapse in record keeping” was an unintentional mistake. He also added that the school has since enhanced its monitoring plan by hiring additional compliance officers and upgrading its electronic software to “speedily track all records.”

“Our goal is to have a compliance program which will be a model for other NCAA member institutions,” Boren added. “I hope that the continued upgrading of our compliance system and our quick action in dealing with any wrongdoing has sent a message to the NCAA and to the public that OU has set the highest possible standard for itself.”

Boren also added that the appeals process was set in motion due to the fact that Bomar and Quinn both transferred to other schools — Bomar to Sam Houston State and Quinn to Montana — where they will be allowed to resume their careers this season.

by Jeff Frank

Two years ago, Conference USA won just 11% (two of 19) of its games vs. BCS schools, but finished 12-9 ATS. Last season was an improved campaign with a 19% winning percentage against BCS teams with five wins in 27 tries. However, the conference fared poorly ATS at 12-15.

Houston and Southern Miss hooked up in the championship game last year with the Cougars gaining revenge (34-20) for an earlier season loss. With that win, Houston was awarded a berth in the Liberty Bowl, while the Golden Eagles had to settle for a victory over Ohio in the GMAC Bowl. Incidentally, that was the lone win of the five conference bowl bids.

The West Division, winner of both title games the last two years, dominated the East last season with 12 victories in the 18 head-to-head match-ups, but the tide could turn as the East looks stronger one through five. Look for an even 9-9 split with three of the West’s wins coming vs. UAB. Houston and Southern Miss will battle it out once again for Conference USA supremacy.

WEST DIVISION

1) HOUSTON - Quick question. When was the last time someone not named Kevin Kolb started at quarterback? Answer: 2002. The second-round draft choice of the Eagles guided the Cougars to three bowl games in his four years, but won seven or more games, just once. Strength - The running game, which was number one in conference play with 198 ypg and 5.3 ypc, will still be potent and the defense, with seven starters back, will be the best “D” in the West. Weakness - Houston was on the losing side in turnover margin just twice in 14 games, and with an inexperienced signal caller under center this year that number will take a turn for the worse. Bottom line - The Cougars will not be as strong as they were in ‘06, but the rest of the division, save for SMU, will be weaker. Still, a 7-5 mark and a conference record of 6-2 will bring them back to the title game. Houston was 8-4 ATS during the regular season and might actually do better since the public might dismiss them with Kolb taking his game to the NFL.

2) SOUTHERN METHODIST - The Mustangs have not been to a bowl game since 1984, but came “oh-so-close” last year. All they needed was a victory over Rice in the season finale, but the Owls hit paydirt with just over four minutes left to pull out the four-point win. Strength - Mark it down, SMU will lead the conference in scoring. Quarterback Justin Willis had a phenomenal freshman season completing 67% with 26 TDs. Both numbers topped Kevin Kolb’s freshman campaign. Weakness - The defensive line, which held the rest of the league to 106 rushing yards per game, returns just one starter. Bottom line - This will be the year the Mustangs reach .500 with a 7-5 record and five conference wins. In addition, they will finally get their long awaited trip to a bowl game. SMU was undefeated as a home favorite in ’06 and will continue that streak with five more this season.

3) TULSA - The Golden Hurricane were expecting more than another 8-4 campaign in ’06 and get a new head coach in former defensive coordinator, Todd Graham. Strength - The secondary has been one of the best in the country the last four years and quarterback Paul Smith, who returns for his senior season, sports a 2-to-1 TD-INT ratio the last two years. Weakness - Four of the top five tacklers depart and the entire offensive line has a grand total of 15 career starts. Bottom line - Despite only 10 returning starters, Tulsa should still win seven games, five in the conference. The Hurricanes are 16-9 ATS the last two years, but they will finish below .500 this season.

4) RICE - The Owls improved from 1-10 to 7-6 and went bowling for the first time in 45 years, but the rest of the conference won’t take them as lightly this season. Strength - Jarrett Dillard returns after catching 91 passes and 21 TDs. The secondary, which returns both starting cornerbacks, improved from last to finish third in league play, holding opposing QBs to a 56% completion percentage. Weakness - Despite the 6-2 conference record, the Owls were outscored by an average of 32-31. They finished last in the league in run defense, allowing 4.7 yards per carry, and four of their top six tacklers have exhausted their eligibility. Bottom line - Rice will be hard- pressed for a repeat, especially without 1,000-yard rusher Quinton Smith. Five wins, four in conference, is in store for ’07. The Owls were 9-2 as underdogs last year. Don’t expect a similar performance.

5) TEXAS-EL PASO - After consecutive 8-4 years, the Miners dipped below .500 (5-7) despite Jordan Palmer’s fine senior season. Strength - With a healthy offensive line, UTEP will post better rushing numbers than the paltry 58 ypg of a year ago. Weakness - The Miners finished last in conference play, allowing 170 rushing yards per game. Six members of the front seven depart, taking with them 82% of the team’s sacks. Johnnie Lee Higgins and Daniel Robinson, who caught a combined 20 of Palmer’s 26 TD passes, also bid farewell to the college game, not to mention Palmer himself. Bottom line - It looks like a rebuilding year in El Paso. Expect a 3-9 mark, with just a pair of league victories. Stay away from them against the spread.

6) TULANE - Hurricane Katrina devastated the program in 2005, but the Green Wave rebounded by doubling their win total to four in ‘06. Strength - Running back Matt Forte (859 yards) was heading for a 1,000-yard campaign until an injury forced him to miss the final three games. Tulane vastly improved its run defense and with six starters returning from its front seven, look for the unit to held offenses to under four yards per carry. Weakness - The Green Wave finished last in the conference in total yards gained and yards allowed. Bottom line - It’s a new era in New Orleans as Bob Toledo brings in new offensive and defensive schemes. Expect a three win season, two coming in conference play. Tulane was 3-7 as underdogs last year, but could surprise.

EAST DIVISION

1) SOUTHERN MISS - The Golden Eagles won five of their last six games to finish 9-5 and that momentum will carry them to their first Liberty Bowl since 2003. Strength - They return their top five tacklers and eight starters to a defense that led Conference USA in points allowed. Only one QB (Kevin Kolb) threw for over 200 yards against them the last eight games. Running back Damion Fletcher burst on the scene with 1,388 yards with 11 TDs his freshman season. Weakness - Fletcher will have to prove last season was no fluke as two all Conference USA O-linemen depart. Bottom line - The Eagles lead the league this decade with an average of 7.6 wins per season. Look for them to top that mark with nine victories and a splashy 7-1 conference mark. They were 5-7 ATS last year, but will easily better that in ’07.

2) CENTRAL FLORIDA - After improving from 0-11 to reaching a bowl game in 2005, the Knights took a major step backward with just four wins last season. Strength - UCF sports an O-line with 124 career starts, which will send RB Kevin Smith over the 1,000-yard mark for the second time in three years. The defense registered 14 sacks, holding opponents to an average of 91 yards rushing for 3.1 ypc, over the final four games. Weakness - Can the Knights replace first team all-conference WR Mike Walker and his 90 receptions? Bottom line - All the pieces are in place for their second bowl appearance ever. George O’Leary’s club will finish above .500 at 7-5 with a 6-2 league record. UCF went 4-7 ATS last year and will easily reverse that mark this season.

3) MEMPHIS - The Tigers were one of the nation’s most disappointing teams with just two victories, but lost five games by a total of just 17 points. Strength - Martin Hankins completed 60% of his throws with 18 TDs, and those numbers will improve in his second season under center. Defensive end Greg Terrell will be an all-conference performer his sophomore year, and with 10 of its top 12 tacklers returning, Memphis will cut down its points allowed by nearly a touchdown per game. Weakness - The running game must pick up since the Tigers finished in the bottom fourth in league play with only 115 yards per contest. Bottom line - Defensive coordinator Joe Lee Dunn was let go early last season and the defense took a step backwards allowing a touchdown more per game than the season before. Look for improvement all across the board in ’07, and that will lead the Tigers to an 8-4 mark, 5-3 in the conference. Like UCF, Memphis is a club to invest on each and every week.

4) MARSHALL - Four victories in the final six games last year have fans in Huntington excited for the upcoming season. Strength - The Thundering Herd return two two-year starters and two one-year starters to the offensive line. Marshall finished third in league play with 20 sacks and Albert McClellan (11.5) returns for his junior season. Weakness - Bernard Morris has thrown 18 picks in just 404 passes the last two seasons and without Ahmad Bradshaw (1,523 rushing yards, 19 TDs) to hand the ball off to, he must improve his touch or it could be a long season ahead. Bottom line - The Herd are 2-10 on the road the last two years. Lucky for them most of their winnable games are at home. They’ll grab four victories this season and finish 3-5 in Conference USA. Marshall was 1-6 as an away dog in ’06 and could go 0-6 in ’07.

5) EAST CAROLINA - The Pirates went bowling for the first time since 2001, but were stymied by South Florida, 24-7 in the Papajohns.com Bowl. Strength - For three straight years, East Carolina allowed 4.9 yards per carry. Last season, the Pirates lowered that number to 4.0 and the front seven returns intact. Weakness - Gone are their leading rusher, reception leader and the starting quarterback, and even with a veteran unit in place last season, they still finished ninth in league play in points and yards per game. Bottom line - East Carolina will have its work cut out for them in ’07 and will end up with 3-9 and 2-6 records. After an amazing 10-3 ATS mark in ‘06, look for a major step backwards.

6) ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM - Watson Brown was fired as head coach after 12 years at the helm, partly due to UAB’s worst record (3-9) since moving into the FBS, formerly known as Division 1-A. Strength - The Blazers return three of their top four tacklers. Weakness - Only eight starters return to a team that finished 95th in the country averaging 310 yards per game and 83rd in the nation giving up 359 per contest. Bottom line - New head coach Neil Callaway will have his hands full in his first season as UAB will win just one out-of- conference game. Stay clear of the Blazers against the spread all season long.

Minneapolis, MN - Minnesota football coach Tim Brewster announced the dismissal of four members of the Golden Gopher football program for violations of both team and University of Minnesota student-athlete code of conduct regulations.

Junior defensive back Dominic Jones, junior defensive end Alex Daniels, sophomore defensive back Keith Massey and sophomore running back E.J. Jones were each dismissed from the team for alleged involvement in a sexual assault case back in April.

Dominic Jones was charged on Monday with third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

“It is an honor and a privilege to wear the uniform of the University of Minnesota and we have exceedingly high expectations for each of our student- athletes,” said Brewster. “We spend a considerable amount of time addressing our players regarding their personal conduct and we will not compromise our values. We are establishing a culture of integrity and we will demand that our players are held accountable for their actions.”

The scholarship status of the four players is not immediately affected but will be subject to review under applicable University and NCAA policies.

“I am in full support of the decision of coach Brewster and I appreciate how he has handled this very difficult situation,” said Minnesota director of athletics Joel Maturi. “While this issue is deeply disappointing, the Athletics Department is sending a clear and unmistakable message that it will never compromise its code of conduct.

“We have a level of expectation that we communicate to our student-athletes regarding their conduct both on and off the field. In the end, individuals decide right and wrong for themselves and then live with the consequences. Unfortunately, these consequences also touch the lives of many other people.”

Madison, WI - Wisconsin sophomore running back Lance Smith has been suspended from team activity indefinitely for violating the UW Department of Athletics’ Student-Athlete Discipline Policy.

According to the Wisconsin State Journal, Smith is tentatively charged with robbery, false imprisonment and battery following an alleged incident involving his girlfriend.

The school said that Smith is suspended from practice and competition pending the availability of further information relating to his case.

Smith was the Badgers’ second-leading rusher last season, posting 345 yards on the ground with five touchdowns.

Baton Rouge, LA - Former Louisiana State linebacker Dave Peterson was killed Tuesday morning when the motorcycle he was riding crashed into a sports utility vehicle. He was 26.

Peterson was a member of LSU’s 2003 national title team, appearing in eight games that season while collecting six tackles, 2.5 tackles for losses and one sack.

He is the second member of the 2003 championship team to suffer an untimely death this year. Former Tiger and New England Patriot Marquise Hill drowned in Lake Ponchartrain in late May.

By Jeff Frank

The MAC placed four teams in bowl games last season, which is an incredible number considering the conference had only 14 bowl bids the previous six years. The turnaround was readily apparent in the league’s non-conference games, as the MAC won six games and finished an amazing 24-13-1 ATS. Not only that, the league took it right to the Big Ten covering 11 of 18 games.

This year, with the addition of Temple, there is a change in how the division champions will be decided. Only the games inside the division will count and the non-divisional contests will be used just as tiebreakers.

WEST DIVISION

1) WESTERN MICHIGAN - Defense was the name of the game in Kalamazoo last season as the Broncos finished sixth in the entire country, allowing only 76 rushing yards per game and 11th in total defense giving up 275 overall.

Strength - Eight starters return to that stifling defense which enabled Western Mich to post its highest win total (8) since 2000. The offense will be much improved with the return of QB Tim Hiller, who redshirted last season after injuring his knee vs. Northern Illinois the year before.

Weakness - The Broncos lose their leading tackler Ameer Ismail, who simply recorded 17 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss.

Bottom line - Western Mich is the most talented team in the conference and will win six of its seven MAC games and seven contests overall. The Broncos were 2-0 as a home dog last season, but will be favored in every game at Waldo Stadium in ’07.

2) BALL STATE - Don’t be fooled into thinking this is the same Ball State club that hasn’t finished over .500 since 1996. The Cardinals are poised for a monster season despite seven road games on the schedule.

Strength - Sophomore QB Nate Davis is the most talented recruit to come to Muncie in years and showed why throwing 18 TD passes in just seven starts last season. The defense allowed 29 ppg the first six, but held opponents to 22 ppg the final six.

Weakness - Despite the improvement, Ball State still ranked next to last in MAC play giving up 407 yards per game.

Bottom line - The Cardinals are in line for a 6-6 record and will win five conference games. They were 8-3 ATS with a 14-7-1 mark the last two years and appear headed for another fine ATS season.

3) CENTRAL MICHIGAN - The Chippewas won 10 games for the first time since 1979 after taking the MAC title game over Ohio and defeating Middle Tennessee in the Motor City Bowl.

Strength - Dan LeFevour came out of nowhere to lead the conference in passing yards and touchdowns, while six other starters return to the top-rated offense in the league.

Weakness - All-time team sack leader Daniel Bazuin departs, as does superstar left tackle Joe Staley so Central Mich will be a bit softer in the trenches. B

Bottom line - There’s still enough talent for the Chippewas to remain competitive and they will be with a 6-6 mark, 4-3 in the conference. Nevertheless, don’t expect another 10-2-1 ATS record.

4) TOLEDO - The Rockets had their first losing season since 1993 and hope to rebound after coming in fifth in the division.

Strength - The defense allowed an average of 39 ppg the first six, but battled back and gave up an average of 18 the rest of the way. Eight starters return, including 14 of the top 17 tacklers, after the team lost three of its top four tacklers a year ago.

Weakness - Can the offense get its act together after averaging 23 ppg, the lowest since 1998? The QB combo of Aaron Opelt and Clint Cochran fell way below expectations and the position is still the team’s major question mark.

Bottom line - Justin Parmele (1,131 rushing yards) can’t do it all himself. Thankfully for Toledo fans, the defense will lead the Rockets to a 7-5 mark and 5-3 in the conference, but only 2-3 against the West, including a loss to Central Mich. They have failed to cover the last five as an away favorite so take Buffalo when the Bulls visit the Glass Bowl in October.

5) NORTHERN ILLINOIS - For the first time since 2004, Garrett Wolfe will not be on the field for the Huskies. However, don’t write this team off just yet, because many felt Northern Ill would not be able to replace Michael Turner when he left Dekalb.

Strength - The Huskies allowed 18 ppg in MAC play, good for third in the conference. Seven of the top 10 tacklers return including the top lineman in the league, Larry English.

Weakness - Even though the defense was stingy last season, only three other teams gave up more yards in conference play. Quarterback Dan Nicholson takes over for Phil Horvath and must direct an offense that has been geared to handing the ball off to Wolfe.

Bottom line - Running backs Justin Anderson and Montell Clanton will get a lot of touches and how effective they are will determine how well the Huskies do. My money is on a disappointing 5-7 season, 3-4 in the MAC. They went 0-4 as a home favorite last year, which could be repeated.

6) EASTERN MICHIGAN - Despite a 1-7 conference record, the Eagles lost five games by an average of five points per game.

Strength - The secondary allowed 20 touchdowns last season, but more than half came in the first five games. The unit will be much improved this year with all four starters back. The Eagles return 81% of their lettermen so look for a couple of more wins this season.

Weakness - Five different running backs started at tailback in ‘06 and the two leading rushers were the two starting quarterbacks. Both of Eastern Michigan’s top two wide receivers have moved on taking with them 119 catches.

Bottom line - The Eagles have not had a winning season since ‘96 and will not reach that mark this year. Nonetheless, this team is capable of an upset or two and is a solid ATS play coming off a 1-11 season. Look for three wins, two coming in the conference.

EAST DIVISION

1) BOWLING GREEN - After five straight winning seasons, the Falcons trudged home with a 4-8 record, but back in ’00, they finished 2-9 and won eight games the following year.

Strength - Even though the defense ended up 11th, giving up 27 ppg in conference play, the unit finished fourth in yards allowed with just 316. Nine defensive sophomores and freshmen started the bulk of games in ’06 so look for dramatic improvement.

Weakness - Special teams killed the Falcons as five TDs came off blocked punts and kickoff returns. They were also hurt by the big offensive play as seven TDs came by way of runs or passes of at least 43 yards.

Bottom line - The offense will be more explosive setting up for a four-game turnaround as Bowling Green will finish 8-4 and 6-2 in the MAC. The Falcons will be underdogs in five of their first six games and are a solid wager throughout the year.

2) MIAMI-OHIO - Not much was expected last year with only seven returning starters, but the Redhawks 2-10 record could have been better as they lost four games by four points or less and another one in overtime.

Strength - Fourteen starters return, but more importantly, the offensive line is healthy once again. The offense couldn’t get on track due to injuries and inexperience, but this season will be different.

Weakness - Wide receiver Ryne Robinson has moved his skills to the NFL, and all told, 63% of last year’s passing yards depart. The defense still has a ways to go before its back to Miami-Ohio standards.

Bottom line - The Redhawks will reach .500 at 6-6 along with five conference wins. Expect a much better ATS record as they ended up 4-8 vs. the spread last year.

3) KENT STATE - What a turnaround for the Golden Flashes going from 1-10 to 6-6. They led the MAC in forced turnovers (23) after finishing last in ’05 with just nine.

Strength - Every member of the O-line has at least one full season as a starter. The team loses only five contributing players from last year.

Weakness - Even though the Flashes won six games, the offense was somewhat lucky, recovering 26-of-39 fumbles. Special teams play has hurt them in the past and this season will be more of the same.

Bottom line - Kent State finished ’06 losing four of its last five games so the season wasn’t a total success. Expect five wins and 4-4 in-conference play. The Flashes will be a solid bet inside the division.

4) OHIO - With Bowling Green and Miami-Ohio having off seasons, the Bobcats jumped up and won the East with a 7-1 mark.

Strength - Team speed on defense helped them lead the league in scoring and total defense. Running back Kalvin McRae led the division with 1,252 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Weakness - Ohio loses its top four tacklers and all were big play contributors. The quarterback position is unsettled heading into fall camp.

Bottom line - The Bobcats will be a one-year wonder and fall back to four wins with just two in conference play. They will be a great team to play against the entire season.

5) AKRON - The Zips won’t be zipping to many wins this year with the loss of Luke Getsy and a host of potential problems at wide receiver. Sophomore David Harvey left school due to personal reasons and Jermaine Lindsay might not qualify academically.

Strength - Top six tacklers return to a defense that was second in MAC play allowing just 3.3 ypc.

Weakness - That unit will have to be strong because the offense will be on par with Buffalo and Temple. Only one O-lineman has more than seven career starts and the QBs have combined for one collegiate pass.

Bottom line - Wait till next year when RB Andrew Johnson is eligible. Akron will win two games, both in the conference. Bet against them every week.

6) BUFFALO - Turner Gill’s squad returns 18 starters and 80% of its lettermen, which will help build on the 2-10 season a year ago.

Strength - Despite the 1-7 conference record, the Bulls actually posted the highest ppg average (24.1) in the division. Drew Willy was injured and missed four games, but he was the last remaining starting QB in the nation to throw an interception.

Weakness - The defense is the antithesis of the offense as the unit allowed 36 ppg and held opponents under 31 points just twice.

Bottom line - With so much experience coming back, the Bulls will surprise some teams this season and win three games, including a victory over Baylor on September 22. They were 7-4-1 ATS last year and could end up with an even better ATS mark this season.

7) TEMPLE - The program is headed in the right direction and will be improved playing a full season in the MAC.

Strength - The Owls were outscored by an average of 41-11 last year, but only 30-17 in six MAC games, with their only win coming over Bowling Green. Coach Al Golden played a ton of freshmen in ’06, which will increase their chances for improvement in ’07.

Weakness - Temple averaged just 54 rushing yards per game, next to last in the nation and allowed 244 rushing yards against, last in the country.

Bottom line - Golden remarked how the team was bigger, stronger and faster after spring practice then at the end of last season, which should allow the Owls to double their win total from one to two, with both wins coming inside the conference. They were 3-1 as a home dog last year and could easily top that mark in ’07.

Oklahoma football to forfeit 2005 victories

BOOKMARK CRUSH SHOT SPORTS NCAA FOOTBALL LOCAL TEAM NEWS

Overland Park, KS - Oklahoma’s football team was forced to forfeit its victories from the 2005 season after the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions penalized the university for major violations.

According to the NCAA, the violations involve three football student-athletes receiving payment for work not performed at a Norman, Oklahoma automobile dealership. Those benefits totaled approximately $17,000 in unearned wages.

Those athletes include dismissed quarterback Rhett Bomar and lineman J.D. Quinn.

The committee concluded that the school failed to monitor the employment of football student-athletes. The new violations add two years to the school’s current probationary period and reduction in allowable financial aid.

The school was forced to vacate the records for the 2005 season including a bowl game victory. That year, the Sooners finished with an 8-4 overall record and a 6-2 mark in the Big 12. That included a victory over Oregon in the Holiday Bowl.

The committee said that although there were only three student-athletes involved in the violations, the penalties were deemed significant for several reasons. That included the value of extra benefits provided by a booster and the fact the violations spanned several months, which led to two of those athletes competing while ineligible.

To make matters worse, the university appeared before the same committee a year earlier in relation to a problem with the men’s basketball staff’s telephone contacts. In that situation, the committee said the school didn’t monitor those contacts with prospective student-athletes.

According to the committee, as a regular practice, the two student-athletes clocked in for work, left the dealership, then returned later to clock out of work. On other occasions, one of them would clock the other in or out, so that both would be paid when only one was present. Based on records obtained from the dealership, it was also found that the third student-athlete was also clocked in and paid for times that he did not work, including time that was spent participating in a scrimmage and game.

Due to the violations, the school lost two scholarships through the 2009-10 season.