Foster Likely Is Out Again

Although the report UCLA will submit today to the NCAA makes no link between the owner of the vehicle used by DeShaun Foster and a sports agent, it is unlikely the tailback’s suspension will end in time for him to play Saturday against USC.

The length of the punishment for an athlete who accepts an “extra benefit” valued at $300-$500 is typically 20% of the season, according to NCAA guidelines. The punishment for a benefit valued at more than $500 is 30% of the season.

Foster drove the 2002 Ford Expedition owned by Hollywood actor-director Eric Laneuville for at least one month, placing the value of the benefit at $400-700, depending on the lease arrangement.

NCAA and Pacific 10 officials said that in addition to the value of the benefit, the seriousness of the infraction is considered.

“Obviously, the committee looks at culpability and any other possible violations, but those are basic guidelines,” NCAA spokeswoman Jane Jankowski said.

UCLA officials believe they conducted a thorough investigation in the six days since Foster was declared ineligible. A final NCAA decision could come within 48 hours, but Bruin Athletic Director Pete Dalis is less than optimistic about what it might be.

“I’m not confident because of the reinstatement process and the guidelines surrounding how many games are missed,” he said. “It could be more than one game.”

Foster, who rushed for 1,109 yards and 12 touchdowns before being declared ineligible Wednesday and missing the 21-20 loss to Oregon, is not in Bob Toledo’s immediate plans.

The coach met with Foster and his parents Monday, telling them Foster will not practice until he is reinstated, although NCAA rules allow him to do so.

“My feeling is that he is not going to be back,” Toledo said. “We have to practice as if he is not going to be there. Right now we can’t count on him.

“If he’s back, it’s a bonus.”

Downplaying Foster’s chance of playing is to UCLA’s advantage. If he remains ineligible, the team won’t have false hopes deflated. Should he be allowed back, it would be a huge boost.

However, Toledo said he will not use the situation as motivational fodder. Even reports that the person who sent e-mails tipping off the NCAA has USC ties do not particularly interest him.

“I won’t use it,” he said.

A female friend of a salesman at the car dealership who leased the vehicle to Laneuville sent a succession of e-mails to the NCAA, linking the transaction to Foster. There is no mention of USC in the e-mails, but the NCAA indicated to UCLA officials that the person sending them has ties to the school.

More pertinent to the length of Foster’s punishment is whether Laneuville, 49, a longtime television director and actor, leased the vehicle on behalf of a sports agent.

Foster is projected as a high first-round NFL draft pick and should sign a multimillion-dollar contract.

Laneuville is represented as a director and actor by Creative Artist Agency, which does not represent athletes, an agency spokesman said.

“I can tell you [Laneuville] is not represented by an agent,” said Bruin cornerback Ricky Manning, a friend of Foster. “He’s just a friend who helped DeShaun when his car broke down.”

The UCLA report indicates as much. Laneuville has been unavailable for comment, but investigators who interviewed him could not connect him to a sports agent. The issue is central to the probe because agents are known to provide illegal favors to prospects to enhance their chance of representing the players in lucrative negotiations.

Senior linebacker Robert Thomas also is expected to be a high NFL pick. He said he is constantly besieged by calls from agents and refers them to his brother, Stan, a former first-round draft pick.

“I’m doing a good job of staying away from anything like that,” Thomas said. “I change my phone number once a month I get so many calls.”

Thomas, like his teammates, is supportive and forgiving of Foster. As one of 11 players suspended in the 1999 handicapped parking scandal, Thomas said he can relate to a mistake that results in dire consequences.

“When it first came out about DeShaun, I was a little angry, but I made mistakes that hurt me too, and that was publicized,” he said. “We support DeShaun. We all make mistakes.”

Thomas said UCLA has educated him well regarding NCAA rules.

“Coach Toledo does a good job, having ex-NFL players like Art Shell come and talk to us,” he said. “Speaking for myself, I listened.”

Thomas was one of several players who spoke with Foster on Monday.

“He’s doing good,” Thomas said. “I’m trying to keep him motivated. I don’t talk to him about the situation. There isn’t much to say.”

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Times staff writer Mike Bresnahan contributed to this story.