COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NATION : Tennessee Gets Two-Year Probation

The University of Tennessee football program was placed on two years’ probation by the NCAA for recruiting violations, but the penalty will not affect the sixth-ranked Volunteers’ appearances on television or in bowl games.

The NCAA reduced the number of scholarships that can be awarded in each of the next two seasons to a level Tennessee already has achieved. One permanent coaching position at Tennessee was reduced, but all Division I schools lose a position next year.

Over the next three seasons new NCAA rules call for the elimination of 10 scholarships. Next season, teams will be allowed to carry 92 scholarships players, while Tennessee will be allowed 85. In 1993, the limit drops to 88 and then 85 in 1994.

The NCAA said Tennessee’s cooperation with the investigation and its own actions played a major role in the final decision.

In April, the NCAA charged Tennessee with six violations, including improper recruiting activities by former assistant coach Jack Sells. The NCAA also charged that Sells tried to cover up his actions by lying to an NCAA investigator last December.

After investigating, Tennessee fired Sells on June 7 and cut 10 of its maximum 95 scholarships. Sells’ position was not filled.

Tennessee also was “strongly advised” to change its summer camp, which the NCAA said was essentially a tryout camp.

The NCAA also will require any school hiring Sells over the next three years to appear before the committee and say why Sells’ duties should not be restricted.