UNLV loses appeal of NCAA postseason ban

Steve Addy

Friday, Feb. 16, 2001 | 1:15 a.m.

As expected, UNLV's men's basketball team will not be participating in the postseason this year.

The NCAA re-affirmed that decision Friday when it rejected the university's appeal of the Dec. 12 ruling, which accompanied four years probation and other sanctions against the program.

UNLV did not appeal the probation or the findings of the Infractions Committee, which led to the reassignment of coach Bill Bayno. But the university fought the one-year postseason ban because it felt the NCAA was unfairly penalizing players who weren't involved in the infractions.

That argument didn't sway the NCAA Appeals Committee, which wrote, "The imposition of penalties always involves a balance of interests. Almost every ban of competition involves some innocent individuals."

Not only does the ban prevent UNLV from eligibility for the NCAA and NIT tournaments, but it keeps the Rebels out of the Mountain West tournament March 8-10 at the Thomas & Mack Center. The MWC prohibits teams from participating in conference tournaments when they are under an NCAA ban.

Friday's ruling means the Rebels have five games remaining, and the season will end March 3 vs. Wyoming at the Thomas & Mack. UNLV (14-10, 5-4 MWC) plays at Air Force on Saturday.

"We entered this appeal because we felt the six seniors on the team should have the opportunity to play in the postseason," athletic director Charlie Cavagnaro said. "We are sorry those players will not have that chance."

The Appeals Committee gave UNLV credit for a thorough investigation of the rules violations, which stemmed largely from cash and other improper benefits given to recruit Lamar Odom by booster Dr. David Chapman in 1997.

The committee cited UNLV for handling the case with courage, all the way from rescinding Odom's letter of intent in 1997 to reassigning Bayno on Dec. 12. But the NCAA has never overturned a ban for the reasons stated by UNLV in its appeals hearing last Wednesday in Chicago.

"Notwithstanding the strong action by the president and athletic director, we can't conclude that the penalty imposed by the (Infractions) Committee was excessive," Friday's ruling said.

UNLV president Dr. Carol Harter said in a statement, "While we are disappointed in the results of the appeal, we are gratified that the Appeals Committee's report noted how vigorously UNLV responded to the investigation."

The Committee also declared an end to the case, saying UNLV wouldn't be subject to further sanctions because of its appeal.