The NCAA ruled that Kansas freshman Josh Selby must sit out nine regular season games and repay $5,757.58 in impermissible benefits to the charity of his choice.
He can join the team for its Dec. 18 tilt with USC at Allen Field House. Ironically, that is the same date that Fordham transfer Jio Fontan will debut for the Trojans.
“Even though I’m disappointed I have to miss nine games, I’m happy that I know when I can be on the court with my teammates,” said Selby, a Baltimore native and 2010 McDonald’s All-American. “I’m looking forward to helping my team win another conference championship.”
“I’m happy for Josh and his family that they can put this behind them,” said KU Interim Athletics Director Sean Lester. “This process had several moving parts, the first one being academics. Once that was addressed we and the NCAA moved to the eligibility aspect. We knew it would take time, and we appreciate our partnership with the NCAA and our constant communication during this process.”
The university declared the student-athlete ineligible when it found Selby and his family accepted impermissible benefits prior to him signing an athletic aid agreement to play basketball for Kansas. The university can appeal the decision to the Division I Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee.
The reinstatement staff’s decision is consistent with student-athlete reinstatement committee guidelines which start at a 30 percent withholding from games for a student-athlete who receives impermissible benefits valued at more than $1,000.
“Our members have made it clear that student-athletes who receive impermissible benefits must be held accountable,” stated Kevin Lennon, vice president for academic and membership affairs.
The reinstatement committee is the final appeal opportunity in the initial-eligibility process. It is an independent panel comprised of representatives from NCAA member colleges, universities and athletic conferences.
Impermissible benefits are those benefits provided to an individual based on their status as an athlete, unless other NCAA rules permit the benefit in question.
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