Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 12, 1992 TAG: 9203120157
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LAS VEGAS LENGTH: Medium
District Judge Donald Mosley said that while he agreed the Nevada-Las Vegas players were being unfairly punished for sins they didn't commit, he could find no legal right for the players to participate in postseason play.
"While my decision no doubt will be unpopular and I don't think many people will understand it, I'm going to deny the motion," Mosley said after a two-hour hearing.
Lawyers for the players had argued that they were entitled to play in the tournament and had asked for a preliminary injunction that would force the NCAA Tournament selection committee to consider giving the team a bid.
However, lawyers for the NCAA said the ban on postseason play was a voluntary resolution and that the organization had a right to impose an alternate penalty in a case that went back to attempts to suspend coach Jerry Tarkanian in 1977.
"In the final analysis, these are rebels without a cause," NCAA lawyer Peggy Leen said.
Mosley issued a temporary restraining order after the players filed suit Friday, allowing the team to keep practicing pending the hearing on the preliminary injunction.
The hearing came four days before the NCAA selection committee announces its choices for the 64-team postseason tournament.
Leen said before the hearing that the Rebels' chances of winning in court were slim, adding that the issue of players' rights is not new and that similar rulings had gone against athletes.
by CNB