Austin Cleared to Play

Mississippi State center Mario Austin was cleared to play Tuesday after sitting out the team’s first six games pending an NCAA ruling.

The NCAA’s Subcommittee on Initial Eligibility determined last month that Austin was mistakenly declared eligible to play as a freshman in 2000. The same committee reversed its decision after reviewing additional information last week about Austin’s high school academic record.

“We’re very happy this situation worked out for Mario,” Bulldog Coach Rick Stansbury said.

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Temple Coach John Chaney will remain hospitalized until at least today as he recovers from a slight case of pneumonia. Chaney, 70, is doubtful for tonight’s game against Penn State.