| | INDIANAPOLIS -- The NCAA rebuked St. John's University on
Wednesday for saying it had been treated unfairly during the
investigation of sophomore guard Erick Barkley's eligibility.
"In media accounts today, St. John's had given the appearance
that the NCAA is holding up the process. Quite the contrary," NCAA
president Cedric Dempsey said in a statement.
"What held up the process is that the university did not
provide information necessary to make an interpretation of NCAA
legislation. The university has known there was concern about the
eligibility of one of its student-athletes since February 17."
Barkley was declared ineligible Tuesday over how part of his
tuition and fees was paid for the 1997-98 academic year at Maine
Central Institute. It was the second time this season he was
declared ineligible over NCAA rules violations. He missed two games
in early February for exchanging vehicles with a family friend.
St. John's released a statement during Tuesday night's 66-60
victory over Seton Hall, in which Barkley did not play, that said
it had concluded its investigation into the tuition matter and
found no violations. The NCAA disagreed and told the school to
declare him ineligible immediately.
"I don't believe it's in anyone's best interest that there be
public disagreement about issues taking place between the NCAA and
a member school," Dempsey said.
"The university's accusation of an NCAA `guilt before
innocence' stance is inaccurate," Dempsey said. "St. John's also
has stated it does not believe violations have occurred. ... When a
university disagrees with an interpretation of rules, it can take
the issue to an interpretation committee for review. St. John's
declined to utilize this process."
He also said St. John's failed to provide its final report to
the NCAA until late Tuesday.
St. John's stood by the statement it issued Tuesday night.
"I can understand why the NCAA felt the need to defend the
process," St. John's athletic director Ed Manetta said. "I've
read the press release and I have no further comment other than to
reiterate the statement we issued last night, which is accurate.
"Our focus now is getting Erick Barkley reinstated. We will
work with the NCAA to come to a resolution."
In its release St. John's said the nature of the alleged
violation was that Riverside Church, an AAU program for which
Barkley played, provided him with support in the amount of $3,150
out of fees and tuition totalling $21,500.
"The need for the NCAA or a similar organization is clear.
However, the need for appropriate due process and the respectful
treatment of all student athletes is just as clear," St. John's
president the Rev. Donald Harrington said in the statement. "These
goals are not incompatible. St. John's University is committed to
working at the highest levels to insure that the notable purposes
of the NCAA are preserved, but always in a way that is just and
respectful of all student-athletes."
When Barkley was ruled ineligible the first time, St. John's
coach Mike Jarvis reacted emotionally, using words like "gestapo",
"communism" and "rape." He issued a public apology the next day for the
"rape" remark. | |
ALSO SEE
NCAA suspends St. John's guard Barkley indefinitely
Bootsy steps up as St. John's downs Seton Hall
 |
