NCAA checking out Auburn's men's basketball program

<br>AUBURN, Ala. (AP) _ The NCAA is investigating allegations that Auburn's men's basketball program improperly recruited a player who signed with another school last spring. <br><br>Athletic director

Tuesday, September 10th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) _ The NCAA is investigating allegations that Auburn's men's basketball program improperly recruited a player who signed with another school last spring.

Athletic director David Housel said Tuesday the university has worked with the NCAA in checking out ``some potential situations in our men's basketball program for some time now.''

Housel declined further comment, citing school and NCAA policy.

The NCAA has not sent Auburn a letter of inquiry.

Auburn coach Cliff Ellis was on a recruiting trip and not immediately available for comment.

The allegation of improper recruitment was made five months ago by an outside party with no ties to the NCAA or any NCAA school. Ellis and Housel have declined to name the player allegedly involved.

An internal investigation by Auburn uncovered several unrelated secondary violations, but the NCAA investigation is continuing.

Auburn's basketball program has been found guilty of two major violations since 1979. Ellis was hired as coach in 1994.

In 1991, the program was sanctioned for improper recruiting, improper inducements, extra benefits and unethical conduct.

In 1979, violations of extra benefits, improper recruiting contacts, excessive number of official visits and certification of compliance were found.