USC Admits Major NCAA Violations

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina says in a release it does not dispute three major NCAA violations involving its football program and will eliminate six scholarships over the next three years. In its response to the NCAA released Wednesday the university also said it would reduce official recruiting visits in football and track and field. The NCAA said 10 South Carolina football players and two members of its women’s track team received $47,000 in improper benefits for staying at a Columbia hotel for a reduced rate that was about a quarter of what should’ve been charged. The NCAA also said South Carolina athletes or prospects received $8,000 in benefits from two executives from a mentoring foundation. The NCAA will consider South Carolina’s self-imposed penalties at a hearing on the violations in February. Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.