Mississippi State Slapped With Four-Year Probation

Mississippi State’s football program was put on probation by the NCAA for four years, stripped of eight scholarships over the next two seasons and banned from postseason play this season because of recruiting violations.

The NCAA announced Wednesday that its infractions committee found two former assistants and several boosters broke recruiting rules between 1998 and 2002. But allegations of unethical conduct against former coach Jackie Sherrill were dismissed. Sherrill retired after the 2003 season and was replaced by Sylvester Croom.

The NCAA’s decision came two months after Mississippi State (2-5) expected it.

“The uncertainty is gone,” Croom said. “We can move forward and move our program in the direction we want it to go.... We will not under my watch be in this situation again.”

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Forgoing more than $1 million, Michigan and Ohio State walked away from a deal that would have renamed their annual football game the SBC Michigan-Ohio State Classic.

SBC Communications had offered each school $260,000 for each of the next two years.

Michigan Athletic Director Bill Martin said that giving a formal title to what has been known to generations of fans as simply “The Game” was unacceptable.

The rejection of the SBC deal was announced in a joint statement by the schools. Martin estimated that 80% of e-mails and phone calls from Michigan alumni opposed the deal.

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Bowl championship series officials said they plan to open the bidding for a new television contract. The current deal with ABC ends after the 2005 season.... Texas A&M; officials are discussing expanding Kyle Field from 82,000 to 115,000 seats.... Northwestern Coach Randy Walker, 50, returned to practice after two days in the hospital because of an inflammation of the heart muscle. Walker’s doctors said he would be well enough to be on the sideline for Saturday’s game against Purdue.

Arizona State tailback Hakim Hill, who did not play against UCLA, will be available Saturday against California. Coach Dirk Koetter did not allow Hill to be interviewed.... Alabama sophomore fullback Tim Castille tore ligaments in his right knee against Tennessee, and his season is over. Sophomore Le’Ron McClain becomes the starter.

With senior Zack Mills out because of a concussion, junior Michael Robinson will start at quarterback for Penn State on Saturday against Ohio State.... Baylor junior quarterback Dane King’s season is over because of a broken right hand suffered in the loss to Iowa State. Sophomore Shawn Bell will start Saturday against Texas A&M.;