Decision on CSUN Sanctions Pending

An NCAA decision regarding possible sanctions against the Cal State Northridge football program is expected within four to six weeks, a university spokesman said.

Interim President Louanne Kennedy, among six Northridge representatives who attended an NCAA hearing Friday in Indianapolis, issued a statement Monday saying she will “reserve comment” on the matter until the NCAA makes a decision.

Athletic Director Dick Dull, Coach Jeff Kearin and Tom Shannon, Northridge’s faculty representative, also attended the hearing.

Also in attendance was former Northridge coach Ron Ponciano, who was fired last July after a 2 1/2-month internal investigation revealed numerous alleged rules violations by coaches and boosters. Ponciano has denied serious wrongdoing.

Northridge sent a 130-page report of the investigation to the NCAA with a list of self-imposed sanctions, including two years’ probation for the program. The NCAA, which refuses to discuss ongoing investigations, can impose additional sanctions, including suspending the Matadors from postseason play.

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Adrian Mendoza got back into the Cal State Northridge lineup Sunday, entering as a pinch-hitter and going hitless in three at-bats in the Matadors’ 12-9 victory at UCLA.

Mendoza, a left-handed hitting senior from Royal High, was benched last week by Coach Mike Batesole, despite leading Northridge with six home runs and ranking second on the team with 28 runs batted in.

Mendoza was announced as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning Friday at UCLA, only to be called back by Batesole after the Bruins made a pitching change.

After sitting out Saturday against UCLA at Northridge, Mendoza appeared visibly upset and left quickly after the game.

“I’d rather not comment about it,” Mendoza said.

Batesole praised Mendoza on several fronts and said he simply opted for a lineup change.

“There comes a point where some of the other guys deserve a chance,” Batesole said. “Look where we’re sitting. He’s had four years of opportunity.”

Batesole was unaware that Mendoza might be upset.

“We haven’t talked about it,” Batesole said. “We don’t have to have a pow-wow every time I make a lineup change.”