NCAA Probing Memphis State U. Athlete Payment

Memphis State University is under investigation by the National Collegiate Athletic Assn. regarding allegations that a student athlete was overpaid for a part-time summer job, a school spokesman said today.

The investigation also involves allegations that two student athletes “may have acted contrary to the principles of ethical conduct as laid down in the NCAA bylaws,” the university said in a statement.

Bob Winn, sports information director for Memphis State, declined to elaborate on the statement. He said, however, that the investigation involves a total of two students and that a response for the NCAA is being prepared.

“This is seen as an isolated incident and shows no pattern of continuing violations,” the university said.

The school declined to name the students involved in the investigation, but a Memphis newspaper said one of them is being investigated because of a summer job last year with the investment firm of Mark Benskin & Co. Inc.