Washington’s Neuheisel Cited as Colorado Put on Probation

Colorado was put on two years’ probation by the NCAA on Tuesday for recruiting violations, most of them occurring under former coach Rick Neuheisel.

The NCAA cut the school’s scholarships and accepted Colorado’s self-imposed recruiting limits, including reducing the number of visits by recruits.

Neuheisel, now coaching at Washington, was barred from off-campus recruiting for the Huskies until May 31, 2003.

Colorado was not banned from TV or bowl appearances but must reduce the number of new scholarships it offers from 25 to 20 in either the 2003-04 or 2004-05 academic year.

“I want to stress that at no time did I intend to break NCAA regulations, and I never suggested to my staff we operate outside those rules,” Neuheisel said in a statement. “I never deceived anyone, nor was I dishonest.”

Associated Press

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USC safety Troy Polamalu, who suffered a high right ankle sprain against Washington State, did not practice Tuesday but said he plans to play against California.

“It feels a little bit better,” Polamalu said. “It’s coming along slowly but surely. Whether I start and play every snap or just play a few plays, I’m preparing mentally like I do every week.”

USC Coach Pete Carroll said Polamalu probably will not practice during the week and his availability could be a game-time decision.

“There’s nothing we can do with him right now--we just have to kind of chill him until the end of the week and see what the response is,” Carroll said. “It’s not a serious ankle [problem] that’s going to keep him out for a long time.”

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David Davis struggled in his first competitive kicking situation since injuring his left leg during practice last Thursday. Davis missed three of four field-goal attempts during drills. Ryan Killeen made all four of his attempts.

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Quarterback Brandon Hance who underwent shoulder surgery on May 24, will begin a light throwing program today.

Gary Klein

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Dave Ragone led Louisville to three touchdowns in the third quarter and the Cardinals (4-2, 2-0) hung on for a 38-32 victory over Memphis in a Conference USA game at Memphis, Tenn. The Tigers are 2-4 and 1-3.... Ohio State freshman running back Maurice Clarett won’t be disciplined for his sideline outbursts at Northwestern, Coach Jim Tressel said. Cameras caught Clarett and running backs coach Tim Spencer yelling at each other and Clarett also was spotted exchanging words with a teammate. Clarett did not comment because he was displeased with questions from the media about his strained relationship with teammates, an Ohio State spokesman said.... Utah quarterback Lance Rice has been benched in favor of sophomore Brett Elliott for Saturday’s game at San Diego State .... Tennessee quarterback Casey Clausen’s sore left shoulder should not keep him out of the Volunteers’ game against Georgia, but tailback Cedric Houston is doubtful because of a torn ligament in his left thumb.

Times Wire Services