K-State Probes Potential Violations

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) _ Kansas State discovered possible rules violations in its football program and is cooperating with the NCAA in an investigation. <br/><br/>Athletic director Tim Weiser said Tuesday

Tuesday, October 9th 2007, 2:12 pm

By: News On 6

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) _ Kansas State discovered possible rules violations in its football program and is cooperating with the NCAA in an investigation.

Athletic director Tim Weiser said Tuesday the Big 12 school reported the violations to the governing body. He said the probe is focused on a former university employee, three former football players and two current members of the team. One of the current athletes is playing and the other is practicing with the team, Weiser said.

``To this point there is no evidence that any member of the coaching staff, support staff or representatives of our athletics interests are involved,'' Weiser said.

Weiser said the athletic department started investigating the allegations of extra benefits and academic misconduct when they surfaced in March. Coach Ron Prince and his staff were later told about the investigation and some were interviewed in late July or early August.

``It's certainly a distraction,'' Weiser said in a conference call with reporters. ``I think Ron is disappointed in the issues we're dealing with now.''

But Weiser said the university hasn't discovered any violations among the athletics department or coaching staff.

The university declined to identify the former employee or players involved and declined to release further details, saying both the internal and NCAA investigations could take a few more weeks to complete.

Weiser said it's clear the former employee knew and understood the policies and deliberately broke them.

He said the school hired outside counsel to assist in its internal investigation.

``We have never, nor will we ever, tolerate intentional violations of NCAA rules,'' Weiser said. ``Should it be determined that violations have occurred, we will take whatever steps necessary to ensure that we maintain the highest standard for compliance.''

Kansas State (3-2) fell out of the Top 25 this week after losing at home 30-24 to in-state rival Kansas. The Wildcats were ranked No. 24 in last week's poll _ their highest ranking since Sept. 5, 2004.