Baltimore ? Maryland was placed on one year of probation by the NCAA Monday because an assistant football coach committed a “major” violation by giving money to a high school recruit.

The NCAA’s infractions committee determined that coach Rod Sharpless gave heralded prospect Victor Abiamiri cash in amounts ranging from $5 to $200 five different times in order to gain an edge in the recruiting competition.

Sharpless “formed a pattern of deliberate violations with a prospect of elite stature that spanned virtually the entire period the assistant coach was permitted to recruit the prospect under NCAA rules,” according to a statement released by the NCAA.

The committee found another coach gave a player a T-shirt and hat worth $20, a move the NCAA deemed a “secondary” infraction.

But Maryland escaped serious punishment for the violations, largely because of actions the school took after the allegations arose. It forced Sharpless to resign and stopped recruiting both players involved, steps the NCAA called “commendable.”

Under the probation terms, Maryland will have to develop an educational program on NCAA rules and make periodic reports to the body that governs intercollegiate athletics. After it comes off the probation, which began Monday, any future infractions will be subject to NCAA repeat offender rules.

“I think the NCAA recognizes that we have institutional control here,” head coach Ralph Friedgen said. “There was no effort to deceive the NCAA.”

Ohio State’s Clarett meets with athletic director

Columbus, Ohio — Suspended running back Maurice Clarett met with Ohio State athletic director Andy Geiger Monday but won’t be returning to practice yet.

Athletic department spokesman Steve Snapp would not discuss any details of the meeting, which included Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown and Clarett’s attorney, Scott Schiff.

“We are hopeful that there will be restored eligibility soon,” Schiff told television station WCMH. Messages seeking comment were left Monday with Schiff’s office.

Clarett is being held out of practice with the defending national champion Buckeyes because of investigations by the NCAA and a university committee.

Miami receiver Parrish undergoes knee surgery

Coral Gables, Fla. — Miami wide receiver Roscoe Parrish had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Monday, probably leaving the Hurricanes without one of their top playmakers for the season opener.

The 5-foot-9 sophomore injured his knee Saturday while making a catch. He tried to practice Sunday but couldn’t.

Tests revealed no damage, coach Larry Coker said, but doctors cleaned loose cartilage from the knee. Parrish returned to the team’s training facility Monday afternoon with his knee wrapped in ice and a bandage. He hoped to start riding a stationary bike today and told Coker and receivers coach Curtis Johnson he would play in the Aug. 28 opener against Louisiana Tech.