(Since I've received a few private questions on this, perhaps this U
Maine press release of today would be of interest to some of you) wts
 
UMAINE RECEIVES ANTICIPATED LETTER FROM NCAA
 
 
ORONO - The University of Maine has received notification from the
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) that the association
intends to continue to conduct preliminary inquiries into possible
violations of NCAA regulations.
 
The preliminary inquiry follows a series of fact-finding interviews
recently conducted by an NCAA representative.  A letter notifying UMaine
President Frederick E. Hutchinson of the pending action was delivered
Monday.
 
The letter, signed by S. David Berst, assistant executive director for
enforcement and eligibility appeals, noted that the possible violations
primarily involve the men's ice hockey program, including the
possibility that some student-athletes received extra benefits;  and
eligibility-related issues.
 
Berst acknowledged that UMaine has been conducting, and continues to
conduct, its own internal inquiry.  He asked that the University
periodically keep the NCAA informed of the institution's progress.
 
Berst said he is hopeful that the NCAA preliminary inquiry can be
completed by fall, but that that date may vary depending on the findings
of the University and the NCAA during the course of the next several
months.
 
"Based on the information we have been gathering for the past three
months, we assumed that the NCAA would initiate a preliminary
investigation," said President Hutchinson.  "The University intends to
continue its full cooperation with the NCAA as well as its own review of
compliance-related matters.
 
"The University has consistently been open and truthful about
information it has learned regarding the conduct and management of
athletics programs, and that will not change," said Hutchinson.
 
Because both the University's and the NCAA's inquiries are still in
progress, neither institution will be commenting further on the reviews
until they have been completed.
 
cheers,
 
Wayne Smith
The College Hockey Discussion List administrator
Systems Group - CAPS              BITNET/CREN:  wts@maine
University of Maine System        internet:     [log in to unmask]