NCAA checking out Auburn's men's hoops

AUBURN, ALABAMA - The NCAA is looking into allegations that Auburn&#39;s men&#39;s basketball program improperly recruited a player who signed with another school last spring. <br> <br> Auburn&#39;s internal investigation uncovered several unrelated secondary violations but the NCAA scrutiny is continuing, The Birmingham News reported Tuesday. <br> <br> Athletic director David Housel said the university has worked with the NCAA in checking out the allegation since it surfaced five months ago, but declined further comment citing school and NCAA policy. <br> <br> The NCAA has set up three initial interviews over the past six weeks, but all three were canceled because of scheduling conflicts. <br> <br> The NCAA has not sent Auburn a letter of inquiry. <br> <br> ``I welcome anyone to look into our program&#39;&#39; coach Cliff Ellis said. ``What they will find is that we play by the rules and graduate our players.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> The allegation of improper recruitment was made by an outside party with no ties to the NCAA or any NCAA school, the newspaper said. The player allegedly involved was not named. <br> <br> Auburn&#39;s basketball program has twice been found guilty of major violations since 1979. <br> <br> In 1991, the program was sanctioned for improper recruiting, improper inducements, extra benefits and unethical conduct. <br> <br> The other violation occurred in 1979 for extra benefits, improper recruiting contacts, excessive number of official visits and certification of compliance. <br> <br> The Tigers are also dealing with on-court problems after going 12-16 last season and 4-12 in the Southeastern Conference, the worst mark in the league.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/9/190279