Published: July 03, 2009 09:23 pm      

NCAA violations alleged at MSU

MOREHEAD — Morehead State University’s basketball program is being investigated for alleged recruiting violations.

Officials at MSU have issued statements on the university’s Web site regarding the allegations, which claims an alumni of MSU recruited and paid for tuition for a men’s basketball player to attend a private school to help him meet qualifications for NCAA eligibility.

Athletic director Brian Hutchinson issued this statement on the MSU Web site: “Over the last several weeks, we have been engaged in an institutional investigation regarding allegations made against our men’s basketball program. We immediately notified the Ohio Valley Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

“The university is committed to fielding competitive teams in strict compliance with all NCAA and conference rules and regulations. We will withhold any further comment regarding this matter until the investigation is complete.”

There is a separate allegation involving another player that did not sign with the Eagles that is also being investigated, according to The Morehead News.

“I understand that rules compliance is very important to Morehead State University,” Tyndall said in a statement on the Web site. “I am very confident that my staff and I have acted properly. As the University has announced, we are cooperating with a review process, according to NCAA rules, neither I nor my staff will make any further comments until this process is completed.”

Morehead State is coming off a 20-16 season that included the first berth in the NCAA Tournament in 25 years.

The Eagles captured the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament in Nashville.

MSU defeated Alabama State in a play-in game for its 20th win, marking another milestone. Top-seeded Louisville defeated Morehead State after a tightly played first half in the opening round in Dayton.

Tyndall has been the head coach for the past four seasons, winning OVC Coach of the Year in his second season.

Morehead State is expected to be a top contender for the OVC championship again this season. The Eagles open the season against Kentucky on Nov. 13 in Rupp Arena.