Bulldogs May Be on Post-season Do-Not-Call List: Fresno State may punish itself for a large number of violations committed during the reign of former coach Ray Lopes, who resigned in March after the school found that the coach and his staff made hundreds of calls to recruits. According to NCAA recruiting rules, a coach can call a recruit only once a week. Lopes and his staff far exceeded that quota. To enact a pre-emptive strike, Fresno State may ban itself from post-season play in hopes that the NCAA will consider that punishment sufficient penitence. Other possible penalties — self-imposed or NCAA-mandated — could include a loss of scholarships or continued probation. The Bulldogs are already on probation following a bunch of violations committed by the staf of former coach Jerry Tarkanian.
Update: Fresno State enacted the post-season ban as part of several measures necessary to create a culture of compliance at the school, said athletic director Thomas Boeh. The school will also restrict recruiting efforts, including phone calls and visits to recruits.
[11/07/05]
