Neuheisel facing probe

? The NCAA is investigating University of Washington coach Rick Neuheisel for potential recruiting violations during his tenure at the University of Colorado.

The NCAA alleged a number of violations from 1996-1998, and claimed “a lack of institutional control” by Neuheisel and his coaching staff, university spokeswoman Bobbi Barrow said Thursday.

The allegations included improper visits to 25 prospective athletes outside of appropriate contact periods. Seven recruits ended up playing for the Buffaloes.

The school also allegedly failed to recover athletic apparel provided for campus visit weekends and had inadequate equipment room monitoring.

Neuheisel also is accused of not properly documenting use of a private jet for recruiting. Another allegation concerned attendance at a prospect’s baseball game by an unauthorized athletic department staff member.

CU said it has cooperated since the NCAA warned in January 1999 of possible recruiting violations based on a news article about a recruit’s visit. The NCAA formally advised CU of an investigation of recruiting practices in July 2001.

The CU athletic department conducted an internal audit after coach Gary Barnett arrived. Since then, the university has self-reported several violations excessive reimbursement for mileage to recruits; excessive entertainment money to three student hosts of recruits; use of a hotel game room at a cost of $3 over the limit for some recruiting weekends; providing TV station tours and a gift of a mock interview tape; and allowing a reporter from a recruit’s hometown to be present during a campus visit.

A CU staff member also called a walk-on player after he had transferred to a different institution.

Washington athletic director Barbara Hedges said Neuheisel, who ran the Buffaloes’ football program from 1995-98, was cooperating with the inquiry.