The National Junior College Athletic Association has ruled that Dixie College must forfeit all football games in which an ineligible player participated.
The Dixie College sports information office indicated that the player played in seven of the Rebels' nine games this season. But since the Rebels lost two of those games, Dixie would potentially have to forfeit five games if the ruling stands."We plan to appeal this ruling," said Doug Allred, dean of athletics. "We're in the process of gathering all of the data and evidence relating to this case."
The college has until Nov. 23 to appeal the NJCAA ruling. Dixie may give either a written or oral appeal to the executive committee of the NJCAA which will then accept or reject the findings.
Even if the first appeal is rejected, Dixie could still choose one other avenue of appeal - arbitration. The request must be served within 20 days after the final decision of the executive committee.
In any case, Allred said there is no forfeiture of any ballgames until all proceedings are finalized.
Dixie, at 7-2, is scheduled to host the Dixie Rotary Bowl Dec. 4 in St. George. The Rebels play New Mexico Military Institute in Saturday's final regular season game.
Because of the time frame of the appeals process, the Rebels will likely play their remaining games, including the Rotary Bowl, before a final decision is rendered.
The player in question reportedly signed an entrance application indicating he had never attended college, but he allegedly played at Snow College in 1986.
After the situation came to light, the player was dismissed from the team.
"I feel like we've got an excellent chance (of not having to forfeit the games)," Allred said. "We've been reassured of that."