Cal Poly SLO Is Placed on One-Year Probation

Former Coach Ernie Wheeler has been publicly reprimanded, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo has been placed on probation for one year for infractions in the men’s basketball program, the NCAA said Monday.

The NCAA said Wheeler violated provisions regarding tryouts by personally observing prospective players in basketball pick-up games with current members and having team members who participated assist him in determining whether to award financial aid.

Wheeler also allowed members of the team to become involved in basketball practice before Oct. 15 by participating in a physical education course in basketball, the NCAA said, adding that the university knew of such activities for many years.

Wheeler resigned during the course of the investigation, the NCAA said.