EUGENE, Ore., June 24 (UPI) -- The University of Oregon football program is on probation for two years for recruiting violations by an assistant coach, the NCAA reported.
The penalty was levied Wednesday by the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions.
The NCAA said "the case centered around the violations committed by one assistant coach" regarding one football prospect.
The coach, Gary Campbell, attempted to sign a junior college player after the January 2003 signing period had ended, the NCAA said.
The sanction was the program's first since 1981.
Coach Mike Bellotti was angry.
"I don't know if it's the pressure of trying to get a kid that will make a difference, but that doesn't wash," Bellotti said. "That doesn't work. We know what the rules are and we're very aware of them. Recruiting is the lifeblood of college athletics. Everybody knows that. Gary is a great man, a great coach."
The PAC-10 school remains eligible for post-season play and will not lose any scholarships.
