Kentucky Also Penalized in 1952, 1976

The sanctions imposed against Kentucky by the National Collegiate Athletic Assn. Friday marked the third such action against the Wildcat basketball program.

The most severe instance was when the program was shut down for one year beginning Oct. 16, 1952, for eligibility violations and cash payments to players. That action was taken during the height of point-shaving scandals in which several colleges, including Kentucky, were involved.

In December 1976, the Wildcat basketball program was placed on a two-year probation and had its number of scholarships reduced. The NCAA said there were violations involving off-campus apartments for players and other illegal benefits.

Friday, the NCAA placed the program on three years’ probation, with a two-year tournament ban.