Wed Jun 18 18:37:47 2008

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SE Missouri State basketball programs sanctioned

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Indianapolis, IN (Sports Network) - Both the men's and women's basketball programs at Southeast Missouri State were placed on two years of probation by the NCAA Wednesday for rules violations.

The penalties in the women's program involve impermissible housing, transportation and meals. Also included is a lack of institutional control for the university and a failure to monitor by former head coach of the women's basketball team, B.J. Smith.

The case included violations for impermissible travel expenses in the men's basketball program. Three student-athletes traveled with the team and received travel expenses even though they were ineligible to compete because they were serving a year in residence.

Because of the penalties, the women's team will have to vacate the records from the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons, which amount to a total of 44 victories.

The NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions ruled that some of these violations gave the school a competitive advantage in recruiting due to the opportunity to acclimate to road travel and further integrate in the team, as well as the opportunity to receive additional coaching and practice time.