Clemson May Face NCAA’s ‘Death Penalty’

The NCAA is conducting a formal investigation of the Clemson University football program that could result in the “death penalty” if major rules violations are found, a newspaper reported today.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution quoted unidentified sources close to the investigation as saying it became a formal inquiry after National Collegiate Athletic Assn. investigators found leads on recent major recruiting violations. No details were given.

Max Lennon, president of the school in Clemson, S.C., said Tuesday night that he knew of the investigation.

“I’m aware of it, but I think it’s extremely premature,” Lennon said. “At this juncture, we simply don’t know enough. Our interest is in what happened, whether or not rules have been violated. I have received several briefings from our athletic director.”

Athletic Director Bobby Robinson said today that the school has not received a preliminary letter of inquiry from the NCAA.

If a major violation were found by the NCAA between December, 1982, and December, 1987, Clemson football could be slapped with the “death penalty” because of repeat violations within a five-year period. The program was under a two-year probation beginning in 1982.

The “death penalty” could result in the suspension of the football program for one or two years--including elimination of all scholarships and recruiting for two years.