Academic Fraud Alleged at Fresno

Fresno State President John D. Welty has promised to remain vigilant in search for the truth after a published account of alleged academic fraud by former players during the 1999-2000 season under former coach Jerry Tarkanian.

The developments come after a report Sunday in the Fresno Bee that detailed allegations from former team statistician Stephen Mintz. He told the paper he was enlisted to take part in a scheme to write papers in exchange for cash for players Courtney Alexander, Terrance Roberson and Dennis Nathan.

Mintz said he wrote and delivered 17 pieces of course work in 2000 for the three players, work for which Mintz said he was paid $1,500.

Mintz says former academic advisor Katie Felten was the university employee who asked him for help in writing the papers. Felton denies any involvement.

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The Ohio Valley Conference suspended Eastern Kentucky Coach Travis Ford and Tennessee State interim Coach Hosea Lewis for a game each for their roles Monday night in a benches-clearing brawl between the teams.

Interim Commissioner Ron English reviewed tape of the game in which 19 players were ejected.

English also suspended Josh Cooperwood of Tennessee State for one game. Cedric Bryson of Tennessee State and Champ Slaughter and Kenyatta Dix of Eastern Kentucky are suspended for one game under NCAA rules because they were ejected for fighting.