Northridge Penalties Disclosed

The NCAA, in an indictment of the Cal State Northridge administration and former football coach Ron Ponciano, on Thursday put Northridge on three years’ probation and banned its football team from postseason play in 2000 for numerous violations in recruiting, ethical conduct and institutional control.

The Division I committee on infractions concluded its 10-month investigation by issuing a report that included a “public reprimand and censure” of Northridge, which fired Ponciano last July after a 2 1/2-month internal investigation uncovered a litany of alleged rules violations.

The decision also included a two-year provision against Ponciano that requires NCAA approval before he can be hired by a member institution.

The NCAA also imposed penalties against Northridge exceeding those suggested by the school in its report to the NCAA last August. The ruling limits Northridge to 75 football scholarships for 2000-01 and requires the school to continue increased education and compliance programs regarding NCAA requirements.

“The reason for the sanctions and postseason ban was the involvement of such serious recruiting violations,” said Jack H. Friedenthal, chairman of the committee on infractions.

Interim President Louanne Kennedy said the school will accept the sanctions and has no plans to appeal.

The NCAA report criticized Ponciano for demonstrating “willful and blatant disregard” for NCAA rules and acting “contrary to the NCAA’s principles of ethical conduct.”

Specifically, the NCAA said, Ponciano made improper contact with recruits and players enrolled at other schools, and arranged for air transportation, lodging, meals, local transportation, phone calls and junior-college tuition for a recruit visiting Northridge.

Ponciano, an assistant at Valley College, was out of town Thursday and unavailable for comment. Scott Campbell, Ponciano’s attorney, called the punishment excessive. He said Ponciano “is reeling” from the decision and continues to consider his legal options.