NCAA hits Kentucky with bowl ban, 3 years probation

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Kentucky was hit hard by the NCAA on Thursday when it was placed on three years' probation for football recruiting violations in "one of the more serious cases heard by the committee in recent years."

The Wildcats, cited by the NCAA for more than three dozen recruiting violations, were banned from a bowl game next season and must forfeit a total of 19 scholarships over the next three years.

In a 41-page report citing Kentucky as lacking institutional control over its football program, the NCAA said it was "troubled by the widespread nature of the undetected violations in time, frequency and the number of individuals who would have some knowledge that the activities were improper and failed to report them to the proper authorities."

Kentucky can sign only 16 of a possible 25 recruits for next season (signing day is Tuesday), 18 the following season and 22 in 2004. During the probation, the Wildcats can only have a total of 80 players on scholarship -- five under the 85-player limit.

Alabama to learn fate today

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The NCAA will announce its sanctions against the Alabama football program today after a nearly two-year probe that included allegations of payments to prep stars.

The university is accused of 11 major violations and five minor charges, but has contested the two most publicized charges involving five-figure payments to land two recruits.

The NCAA can accept or add to sanctions Alabama self-imposed in December, including 15 scholarship cuts over three years and breaking ties to three boosters.

-- From wire services