Lewis University put on probation

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. -- Lewis University of Division II was put on four years' probation for an array of infractions that included its men's volleyball team, which won a national title last year the school has since forfeited.

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The NCAA cited "lack of attention ... from the president of the institution on down" in a report released Thursday.

"Were we in violation? Yes," said Wayne Draudt, Lewis' executive vice president. "We can't criticize the NCAA. They were doing their job."

The report focused on violations between the school years 1999-00 and 2003-04. The NCAA said the university allowed at least 14 athletes to practice, compete or receive financial aid although they were ineligible. It said the school also violated rules on recruiting, travel and letting players compete professionally.

The NCAA also found the baseball, men's volleyball and men's soccer teams granted more athletic scholarships than allowed, and the men's and women's track and field programs provided cash for books, and one athlete received a loan from a coach.

Lewis' volleyball team has been barred from postseason play through the 2005-06 season. The university had imposed a ban through the 2004-05 season and forfeited the national volleyball championship. The NCAA ruled an extra year was warranted, and the number of volleyball scholarships was reduced.