The NCAA today imposed one of the most "severe in the last few
years" on the University of Maine, and specifically the Maine ice
hockey program.
 
The NCAA put Maine on 4 years probation for NCAA violations not only
in hockey, but in 10 other sports, included in that is a ban on
post-season competition by the ice hockey program following the
upcoming 1996-7 season.  Maine will also be banned from any
television coverage for the 1996-7 season.
 
In addition, the NCAA imposed further scholarship penalties on the
University of Maine.  Maine withdrew two scholarships for the 1996-7
season, and one for 1997-8.  The NCAA added 4 scholarships for 1997-8
and 2 for 1998-9.  The penalty for 1997-8 amounting in 5 scholarships
is a significant penalty.
 
Maine hockey coach Shawn Walsh, was *not* found to be in violation of
NCAA ethical conduct codes and hence as far as the NCAA is concerned
will be allowed to return to Maine on Decemeber 24, 1996.
 
The Committee on Infractions also did not find Maine to be
responsible for the eligibility of Mike Dunham during the 1992-3
championship year.  However it is the Executive Committee who will
make the final decision if that title is vacated.
 
The NCAA also order Maine to forfeit all games in which ineligible
players were used.  At this time it is not known which games and/or
years that will apply to.
 
The NCAA did not consider the Cal Ingraham situation as the NCAA
Enforcement staff has thrown that charge out, most likely because
Maine was already penalized for that instance.
 
All Maine coaches will be required to attend regional compliance
workshops for two years.  Other than this the NCAA made imposed no
further penalty toward Shawn Walsh.
 
For 5 years Maine is also under the Repeat Offender rule (rule
19.6.2.3).  Should Maine commit further violations during this
period, they are subject to serious penalties such as the "death
penalty".
 
Maine has scheduled a press conference for 2:30 p.m.  It is unclear
whether or not Maine will appeal all or parts of this.
 
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Deron Treadwell - [log in to unmask]
Orono, Maine
INFO-HOCKEY-L Administrator
ME-HOCKEY Administrator