The NCAA cited the University of Washington for lack of institutional control Tuesday in the gambling flap that led to the firing of former football coach Rick Neuheisel.
The NCAA found Neuheisel and other individuals broke rules against gambling but did so unwittingly. The organization instead cited the university for failing to adequately educate its coaches and staff.
“The charges squarely put the responsibility for complying with NCAA rules on the university itself,” said Bob Sulkin, Neuheisel’s lawyer.
The finding is a first step toward what could be major sanctions for Washington. In cases where “lack of institutional control” is cited, the NCAA infractions committee typically imposes severe penalties.
In a statement, interim athletic director Dick Thompson pledged to provide any information requested by NCAA investigators.
– Penn State offensive coordinator Fran Ganter was named to an administrative post and two new coaches were added to Joe Paterno’s staff on the heels of the Nittany Lions’ 3-9 campaign in 2003.
Galen Hall, former Florida head coach and Dallas Cowboys assistant, will oversee the offense and coach the running backs, while Mike McQueary will help coach receivers and serve as recruiting coordinator.
Ganter, who turned down an opportunity to coach Michigan State in 1994, has been on the Nittany Lions staff since 1971.
– Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick was arrested and accused of serving alcohol to three underage girls in his apartment and having sex with a 15-year-old girl.
