N.C. to keep 12 players out of LSU game

CHAPEL HILL, N.C., Sept. 3 (UPI) -- North Carolina Coach Butch Davis said six players are ineligible for the 18th-ranked Tar Heels' opening game because of rules violations.

In addition, six others will be withheld from the game as investigations into alleged rules violations continue, the university said in a statement Friday.

North Carolina opens its 2010 schedule Saturday against No. 16 Louisiana State in Atlanta.

The NCAA initiated an investigation this summer into whether North Carolina players had improper contact with agents, and the school was looking into allegations that a tutor provided improper academic aid to players, The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer reported.

The players ruled ineligible are defensive tackle Marvin Austin, cornerbacks Charles Brown and Kendric Burney, wide receiver Greg Little and defensive ends Michael McAdoo and Robert Quinn. The six categorized as being withheld from the game are tailbacks Shaun Draughn and Ryan Houston, defensive end Linwan Euwell and safeties Brian Gupton, D'Norris Searcy and Jonathan Smith.

"As I've have said there is no single game more important than the character and integrity of this university," Davis said. "We are disappointed the players' choices have denied them the opportunity to compete alongside their teammates and represent the University of North Carolina.

"Our coaches and players have a tremendous challenge this weekend, and despite these circumstances, our team will be excited to face LSU."