UNLV: It’s Not Facing Suspensions

The legal counsel for Nevada Las Vegas said Thursday he has been assured by the NCAA that the university’s undefeated basketball team will be able to finish its season without any players being suspended for rules violations.

Bradley Booke said reports that four players, including two starters, might be suspended for one game because of incidental hotel bills incurred during recruiting visits were the result of a misunderstanding between the university and the NCAA.

He said in a prepared statement that the NCAA legislative services staff will meet today to determine if a violation had been committed and, if so, could make the players ineligible.

Booke, however, said he has been told that the NCAA would then immediately restore the eligibility of the players so they could finish out the season without missing any games.

“UNLV regrets that there apparently has been some miscommunication and misunderstanding regarding this issue,” Booke said. “I do not believe there has been any deliberate effort by the NCAA to harass UNLV or undermine its drive to a second consecutive national championship.”

The players involved are All-American Larry Johnson, starting center George Ackles and reserves Evric Gray and Bobby Joyce. The charges involve a total of $129 in hotel bills.

The matter involving the four is among 29 charges leveled at the UNLV program last year. The university is expected to answer the 29 charges by May 1.