Alabama's Dareus ineligible for two games

[lazarus]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5525330

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Alabama defensive end Marcell Dareus has been declared ineligible for two games for accepting nearly $2,000 in improper benefits during two trips to Miami.

An NCAA ruling Thursday also ordered Dareus, defensive MVP of the national championship game, to pay $1,787 dollars to a charity of his choice before regaining eligibility. The top-ranked Crimson Tide opens Saturday night against San Jose State and then hosts No. 19 Penn State. Alabama will already be without Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram (knee injury) for at least the opener.

Dareus was ruled ineligible for receiving preferential treatment and agent benefits, including airfare, lodging, meals and transportation during the Miami trips.

snip

"It is important to note that Marcell never intentionally violated any NCAA rules and did not knowingly receive any benefits from an agent," Mike Ward, Alabama's associate athletic director for compliance, said in a statement. "Marcell lived up to the letter and spirit of the NCAA cooperative principle and the NCAA described him as 'one of the most truthful student-athletes we have ever interviewed.' "

The NCAA cited "mitigating circumstances" in reducing the penalty from as many as four games.

I wonder what the "mitigating circumstances" were. And when we're going to get a handle on these agents. And why these players don't ask more questions.

From what I've heard, a friend paid for the trips, and Dareus accepted. The friend is the one who got the money from the agent. Some friend.

[KamaAina]

1. Ingram's out, too, with an injury

I smell upset!!



:sarcasm:

[Gordan Shumway]

2. Agents are a cancer on college sports.

May their health reflect their profession.