Probation Possible for CSUN

Ron Ponciano committed a litany of NCAA violations as football coach at Cal State Northridge, including misappropriating funds, overseeing a non-university bank account and providing players with improper payments and meals, according to the findings of 2 1/2-month internal investigation released Wednesday.

The 130-page report, which included a recommended two-year probation for the program in a list of self-imposed penalties to be submitted to the NCAA, also charged Ponciano with condoning on-campus alcohol and tobacco use by coaches, and disregarding instructions from a campus compliance officer to stop conducting team barbecues.

University officials said they will seek $3,260 in restitution from Ponciano for “multiple instances of misappropriation of funds,” including preparing “false or misleading travel forms to misappropriate money from the institution.”

Ponciano, who was fired July 16 after one season as coach, reiterated a long-standing denial of wrongdoing. He said he would not repay any money.

“I would think they would have a little trouble with that,” Ponciano said. “That’s a pretty big claim right there. I stand 100% firm on what I said before, that, obviously, [the report is] something they’ve got to do to justify their actions.”

Louanne Kennedy, Northridge interim president, defended the report written by internal auditor Peter J. Dinauer. The investigation was launched in May after the athletic department received an anonymous letter detailing allegations of rules violations.

“We are very confident in the findings of the report,” Kennedy said. “[Ponciano displayed] a very high disregard for the need to follow NCAA and university policy. I think that’s what the report says.”

The list of self-imposed penalties includes a reduction of expense-paid recruiting visits from 25 to 20 during the 1999-2000 school year and a reduction of scholarships from 63 to 61 during 2000-2001.

Tom Shannon, faculty athletic representative and recently appointed compliance officer, said the penalties were suggested after reviewing “about 50” citations for major violations by Division I schools.

“I think the recommendations are appropriate,” Shannon said. “We looked at major-infraction cases. We intend to implement those recommendations now and take it to the [NCAA] committee on infractions. They could take as long as six months to review it.”

Tom Hosty, an NCAA enforcement officer overseeing the Northridge matter, declined comment. Hosty said last week the NCAA has the option of conducting its own investigation.

The report charges Ponciano with knowingly submitting false or misleading travel documents since 1996, when he served as a Matador assistant and was in charge of cash advances for team travel. Ponciano is also charged with submitting requests for improper reimbursement for meals.

“It is not a university travel policy to file inappropriate or dishonest travel vouchers,” Kennedy said. “We have a policy that you file receipts relative to the exact nature of expenses relative to the trip. That includes tips. One of his defenses was, ‘We don’t pay tips.’ That is untrue.”

Kennedy said evidence substantiated Ponciano’s involvement with a non-university bank account funded by the Quarterback Club, a booster group that has operated without the university being fully informed of its operation and financial activities. Kennedy said an investigation of the club is pending.

According to the report, money provided for the football program was deposited into an account by at least one booster, a violation of NCAA regulations and university policy. In February, Ponciano allegedly distributed to about 20 players money earned for their appearance as stand-ins in a promotional video for Fox television filmed in December and aired during Super Bowl week in January.

Officials declined to name players who participated in the video but said about 15 are expected to return this season. The players’ eligibility is contingent upon them donating the $100 they earned to a charity of their choice.

Several players expressed displeasure at having to repay the earnings. Shannon said he did not expect any of the players to lose eligibility over the matter.

“We worked hard for that money,” defensive lineman Shawnbay Jones said. “That’s crazy that they’re going to make us give it back.”

Others who participated in the video included quarterback Dave Lins, defensive back Kwasi English, linebacker Karl Finely, offensive lineman Keith Kincaid, nose guard Sean Beard and defensive back Dwan Vance.

Northridge officials said players also will be required to repay the cost of participating in team barbecues. Ponciano, the report alleged, disregarded instructions by the campus compliance officer to stop conducting barbecues after being informed it violated rules.

Matador coaches and players also have used chewing tobacco in the locker room and on the playing field, and at least one coach repeatedly was seen drinking alcohol in the coaches’ office during daytime hours, the report said. The report stated that one assistant acknowledged having a drinking problem, and that “a few” players tested positive for marijuana use and have received appropriate penalties.

Northridge began practice for incoming players Wednesday. Several returning players, scheduled to begin practice Friday, also assembled.

“I don’t have much information on the report,” Lins said. “We’re just glad it’s over. Now we want to go out on Saturdays and play.”

Jeff Kearin, a former Matador assistant hired as interim coach three weeks ago, said he was satisfied with the recommended penalties.

“We won’t get in trouble again,” Kearin said. “I know the rules, and I know the rules well enough that if I don’t know a rule, I’m going to check.”

Staff writer Fernando Dominguez contributed to this story.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

NCAA VIOLATIONS

The following are among the infractions committed by coaches in the football program, according to a Cal State Northridge report:

Misuse of travel cash advances

Use of a non-university bank account

Improper payments to players

Improper recruiting of prospective players

Improper meals for players

Improper coaching contacts with transfer players

*

PENALTY RECOMMENDATIONS

Northridge recommended the following penalties to the NCAA:

Two years probation

Reduction from 25 to 20 of expense-paid recruiting visits in 1999-2000

Reduction from 63 to 61 of financial-aid awards in 2000-01

Disciplinary action for those associated with violations

Disassociation from persons who did not comply with NCAA regulations and university policies