ST. LOUIS (AP) — Fontbonne University has been placed on two years of probation for what the NCAA called major violations in its athletic program.
The NCAA Division III Committee on Infractions ruled Tuesday the school improperly considered high school athletics participation along with other leadership activities when awarding merit-based scholarships. The NCAA said more than $48,000 was awarded to 23 student-athletes who would not have been eligible for aid had the high school sports not been considered.
Division III schools cannot consider athletics participation or performance when determining financial aid.
Athletic director Maria Eftink said in an e-mail to athletes that the NCAA investigated financial aid procedures from February 2006 to January 2010, and that terms of the probation would not limit current or future athletes’ participation.
The NCAA also said the former head women’s basketball coach and head men’s lacrosse coach violated rules by participating on a university committee that recommended financial aid for incoming freshmen.
