Michigan notified of NCAA allegations

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 24 (UPI) -- The University of Michigan violated NCAA rules for college football programs by allowing non-coaching employees to coach, officials say.

Players were also required to exceed the time limits set by the National Collegiate Athletic Association for practice and workouts both during the season and in the off-season, the NCAA said in a notice of allegations sent to the university Tuesday. The NCAA allows football programs to require their players to put in no more than four hours a day during the season and eight hours a week the rest of the year.

Six players told the Detroit Free Press last year that Rich Rodriguez had made them put in more time than allowed. David Brandon, the school's incoming athletic director, said he believed the allegations stem from a misunderstanding about what counts toward the NCAA limits.

Rich Rodriguez, the coach, is heading into his third season with an 8-16 record in his first two years. The Wolverines were 3-9 in 2008 and 5-7 in 2009.

"As head coach, the football program is my responsibility," Rodriguez said Tuesday. "I'll do all I can to carefully monitor all the program's activities. I look forward to working with Dave and the compliance office to ensure there is no question of Michigan football's compliance with NCAA rules."