Gift-Giving a Cultural Tradition? : USC: Trojan Ifeanyi says accepting money is a ‘natural thing’ is his country of Nigeria.

In what could be a precedent-setting case, the NCAA eligibility committee is considering whether USC defensive end Israel Ifeanyi broke rules by accepting money from members of his Nigerian tribe.

“It’s a natural thing in Nigeria,” Ifeanyi said Thursday. “I really don’t understand [the NCAA’s concern]. I think it is a cultural bias. They are wrong to use this against me.”

Ifeanyi was suspended for three games by the NCAA for allegedly accepting gifts from Robert Troy Caron, an Oxnard sports agent. During the course of the investigation, officials discovered that Ifeanyi received money from Ibo tribe members living in Los Angeles.

Collegians are not allowed to accept money or gifts based on their status as athletes.

USC submitted a report to the eligibility committee Thursday, which will decide next week whether rules were broken, said Carrie Doyle, NCAA director of eligibility.

The staff wants to take its time because of the unusual circumstances in the case. The NCAA’s decision could affect rules regarding athletes from different cultures.

Ifeanyi, who played at Orange Coast College before transferring to USC last year, said he received money from Nigerians living here in accordance with tribal customs.

The Ibos are from the southeastern part of Nigeria.

“These people didn’t go to USC,” Ifeanyi said of his countrymen. “They have nothing to do with USC. They are not boosters. They are nothing but ordinary citizens.”

Ifeanyi said Nigerian expatriates often invite him to dinner for special occasions such as the country’s independence day Oct. 1.

“My family is not here,” he said. “They are part of my family.”