UCLA Yet to Submit Foster Report to NCAA

Wearing a Dodger cap, light gray sweats and a newly grown goatee, suspended tailback DeShaun Foster met Tuesday with UCLA athletic officials, who were scrambling to complete their report to the NCAA regarding the improper benefits the senior received.

But the report was not submitted and the slim chance of Foster being reinstated in time to play against USC on Saturday became slimmer.

Foster, who is projected to be a first-round NFL draft pick, would not comment and is prohibited by Coach Bob Toledo from practicing.

UCLA wanted to submit its report Tuesday but did not because Athletic Director Pete Dalis received a fax from the NCAA that requested specific information the school had not included.

Foster has admitted to driving for at least a month a 2002 Ford Expedition owned by Hollywood actor-director Eric Laneuville, which is considered an “extra benefit” under NCAA rules.

UCLA officials have no indication Laneuville, 49, is connected with a sports agent. An NFL Players’ Assn. spokesman said Laneuville, represented by Creative Artists Agency, has not filed an application to become a sports agent.

The investigation was prompted by a series of e-mails to the NCAA from a female friend of a salesman at the dealership where Laneuville leased the Expedition. UCLA spokesman Marc Dellins said he was not aware of any additional charges or tips made Tuesday that might have delayed submitting the report.

Chris Howard, the NCAA investigator who spent several days at UCLA last week, did not return to the campus this week.

Once UCLA submits its report, the NCAA will determine a punishment, which because of the value of the vehicle and severity of the infraction could range from Foster missing one game to the remainder of the season.