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North Carolina to keep 12 players out of Saturday's opener

Fri 3rd, September 2010

Chapel Hill, NC (Sports Network) - The University of North Carolina has declared six players ineligible for Saturday's game against LSU for violations of school or NCAA rules and will keep six others out of the season-opener while the investigation continues.

Defensive tackle Marvin Austin, who had already been suspended by head coach Butch Davis for violating team rules, was one of the players ruled ineligible. The others are cornerbacks Charles Brown and Kendric Burney, wide receiver Greg Little and defensive ends Michael McAdoo and Robert Quinn.

The six others who will be withheld from Saturday's game are tailbacks Shaun Draughn and Ryan Houston, defensive end Linwan Euwell and safeties Brian Gupton, Da'Norris Searcy and Jonathan Smith.

Davis and athletic director Dick Baddour released a statement Friday about the punishments and ongoing investigation.

"As I've have said, there is no single game more important than the character and integrity of this university," said Davis. "We are disappointed the players' choices have denied them the opportunity to compete alongside their teammates and represent the University of North Carolina. Our coaches and players have a tremendous challenge this weekend, and despite these circumstances, our team will be excited to face LSU."

The number of games that the 12 players may miss has not yet been determined. The investigation continues to include both agent-related and academic issues.

"We're obviously very disappointed to learn that the actions of a number of our student-athletes have resulted in their being unable to compete in Saturday's game," said Baddour. "It is important to note again that people should not make assumptions as to the nature of each student-athlete's involvement with these issues.

"We are still working with the NCAA staff to resolve these eligibility issues. The NCAA is focusing on each of their situations on a case-by-case basis. Together we are working to determine their status in as thorough and fair a process as is possible."

Last month, North Carolina officials said the school learned of possible academic misconduct involving a former undergraduate tutor and members of the football team.

The potential issues with an agent stem from a party thrown in Miami that has also swept up players at other universities, including Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.