St. John’s Imposes Sanctions on Team

St. John’s imposed two years of penalties on its men’s team Friday after an investigation revealed a former player was given cash by a member of the basketball staff.

The penalties, which include a postseason ban this season and the loss of a scholarship for each of the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons, were imposed after an investigation into the charges made earlier this year by Abe Keita, who said he was given $300 each month. St. John’s said it found evidence to support the claim, which violated the NCAA’s “extra-benefit” rules.

*

St. Louis forward Justin Johnson was reinstated a day before the Billikens’ home opener against Oral Roberts. Johnson, a sophomore, was suspended indefinitely on Sept. 29 for a violation of team rules.