Memphis to vacate its Final Four season

MEMPHIS, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- The University of Memphis was found guilty Thursday of major violations in men's basketball and women's golf, the NCAA infractions committee said.

The Tigers' must forfeit every victory in its 38-2 2007-2008 basketball season under coach John Calipari that ended in the national title game, which the Tigers lost to Kansas in overtime.

The team must also return the money associated with the 2008 NCAA championship tournament, the committee said.

The penalties followed allegations Derrick Rose, now a point guard for the Chicago Bulls, had played the season while academically ineligible because his SAT score was ruled invalid, The (Memphis) Commercial Appeal reported.

The penalties also include a reduction of scholarships for the women's golf program, whose former coach was found guilty of providing extra benefits to players, the Commercial Appeal said.

The Memphis athletic department, covering all sports, was also placed on a three years' probation, the NCAA said.

Calipari was not directly implicated in the report and was not penalized, Committee on Infractions Chairman Paul Dee said.

The coach in April was signed by Kentucky to an eight-year, $31.65 million contract, making him the highest-paid coach in college basketball.

The ruling marks the second time Memphis and Calipari had to vacate Final Four seasons. The Tigers were stripped of their 1985 appearance and Calipari's University of Massachusetts team lost its 1996 berth.