INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- The NCAA handed the Georgia Bulldogs a four-year probation Thursday for violations within the men's basketball program.
Officials said Georgia had committed academic fraud and had given illegal recruiting benefits.
The Bulldogs avoided further punishment because they withdrew from the SEC and NCAA Tournaments last season.
Beginning with the 2005-06 academic year, the basketball program will also lose one scholarship per year for three years. The school also must forfeit its victories in the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons and will have its participation in the 2002 NCAA Tournament voided.
Athletic Director Damon Evans said he still thought the punishment was too harsh.
"Because of the cooperation the university has exhibited throughout the investigation process, it is our opinion that four years' probation and the scholarship reductions are excessive," Evans said.
The activities in question came while Jim Harrick and his son were head coach and assistant coach. Neither is now with the program.
