HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — For the second time since 1990, Marshall has been punished by the NCAA for failing to control its athletic programs.
The university was placed on four years' probation Friday and lost the right to award 15 football and two basketball scholarships in upcoming seasons for violating NCAA rules on academics and arranging work for athletes.
The sanctions follow an NCAA investigation into students who were paid up to $25 an hour to perform janitorial services between 1996 and 2000, and others who received test answers from a former assistant professor in 1999.
The announcement came two days after Marshall's 64-61 double-overtime victory over East Carolina in the GMAC Bowl, the highest point total in any bowl.
Although Marshall itself reported the problems in February 2000, the chairman of the Division I Committee on Infractions said university officials were "very negligent" in assisting the investigation.
"I don't think there will be any awards passed out for the efforts in trying to find out exactly what happened, particularly early on in the process," said the NCAA's Thomas Yeager.
Marshall president Dan Angel said the university disagreed with several of the NCAA's statements, but added that "we want to close the door and move on."
Athletic director Lance West said the university would not appeal. He declined further comment.