Central Florida bowl ban dropped

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INDIANAPOLIS, April 22 (UPI) -- The University of Central Florida's football program had a post-season ban penalty dropped by the NCAA Monday.

UCF was found to have committed recruiting violations that led to NCAA-imposed penalties on the men's basketball and football programs.

UCF accepted sanctions on the basketball program, including scholarship reductions, vacating of records and a $50,000 fine, but appealed the football bowl ban. The NCAA Infractions Appeals Committee reversed the football sanction.

"We're certainly happy with this outcome," said UCF Director of Athletics Todd Stansbury. "We appealed the postseason ban for football because we felt it went beyond what was supported by the facts and we're pleased the Infractions Appeals Committee agreed with us."

Since the bowl ban was under appear, UCF was allowed to accept a bowl invitation this last season. The Knights played in the Beef O'Brady's Bowl, beating Ball State 33-27.