Illinois Allegations Disclosed

The NCAA has charged, in a letter released Friday by the University of Illinois, that the school offered basketball recruits incentives, including cash, a car, athletic equipment and personal photos.

Chancellor Morton Weir characterized the 11 allegations as serious and “shocking,” and said the university’s internal investigation was not complete.

Punishment for violations could range from a reprimand to suspension from basketball competition for a specified period--the so-called “death penalty.” Illinois’ basketball program would be eligible for suspension because the university has been guilty of other NCAA infractions in the past five years. Football recruiting violations in 1984 and ’88 led to the resignation of Coach Mike White.

The NCAA letter suggests that the inducements all were made by the same Illinois representative, although the individual was not named. Illinois recruiter and assistant coach Jimmy Collins has been barred from recruiting by the university pending the outcome of the case.

The allegations may center on Chicago prep star Deon Thomas, who said he signed to play for Illinois because he wanted to be close to home. Published reports have indicated that offers of $80,000 and a Chevrolet Blazer also might have influenced Thomas’ decision.