STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi State forward Renardo Sidney will have to repay $11,800 in improper benefits and sit out the remainder of this season and nine games next season if he wants to play for the Bulldogs.
The NCAA announced the decision Friday.
Sidney has been with the team all season, but has only been allowed to practice while the university and the NCAA conducted an often contentious investigation. Sidney attorney Don Jackson has maintained the family’s innocence throughout the nearly yearlong investigation.
The university found that Sidney had received improper benefits and preferential treatment while he played for a Los Angeles high school. The university can appeal the penalty, something coach Rick Stansbury says will happen.
