Clemson Gets Probation, but Postseason Play and TV Still OK

The NCAA put Clemson’s football program on a year’s probation Thursday after an investigation found that two players received money, but the Tigers dodged serious sanctions that could have included a ban on postseason play and television.

The NCAA Committee on Infractions found that on at least two occasions in the fall of 1985 an athlete received and distributed cash payments of $50 to $70 to a teammate. The committee also determined that in the spring of 1987, the athlete received $50 in cash from a booster.

“They were able to determine the player got the money and believed it to be a violation, but they could not determine where the money came from,” university spokeswoman Catherine Sams said.

The violations cited occurred under former coach Danny Ford, who resigned under pressure Jan. 19--less than two weeks after the NCAA told the school it was conducting a formal inquiry.

Under the NCAA ruling, Clemson must disassociate itself from the booster who is cited in the report but not identified. The school must also submit before the end of its probation a written report to the NCAA concerning the actions it has taken to ensure the school follows NCAA rules.