Kentucky will be barred from a bowl this season, and Alabama will be out of the bowl picture for the next two years.
The NCAA rejected the appeals of both Southeastern Conference schools Tuesday. They had been cited for football recruiting violations and were trying to have the sanctions lifted.
The governing body upheld the one-year postseason ban on Kentucky's football team. It was one of several penalties levied against the school in January after internal and NCAA investigations found dozens of recruiting violations.
``The Kentucky case was one of widespread abuse by employees of the university,'' said Terry Don Phillips, chairman of the infractions appeals committee.
Kentucky appealed in February, contending the penalty was too harsh because the violations did not give the school a clear advantage.
``We conclude Kentucky construes the term `recruiting advantage' too narrowly in its argument,'' the committee said.
Alabama sought the restoration of six scholarships and its bowl eligibility. But the appeals committee upheld all the penalties imposed after the program was cited for improper recruiting by boosters and other infractions.
The NCAA placed Alabama on five years' probation Feb. 1, tacking on six scholarship cuts to the university's self-imposed reduction of 15, and banning the team from a bowl game for two years.
Those penalties were deemed appropriate because the violations were ``numerous and particularly egregious,'' the report said.
``Through this adversity, we will move forward and become stronger than ever,'' Alabama athletic director Mal Moore said.
Committee chairman Thomas Yeager said the panel considered the ``death penalty,'' which would shut the program for at least one season.
``But for the unequivocal cooperation of the university, it's very clear the death penalty most probably would have been imposed,'' Phillips said.
Kentucky president Lee Todd said he was disappointed for the players, coaches and fans.
``The prospect of postseason play in any sport is what drives the hope and optimism for all of us,'' he said.
The penalty carries an extra sting because Kentucky is 3-0 and has realistic bowl expectations following consecutive 2-9 seasons.
``Going into two-a-days, we knew that we weren't going to a bowl, so really nothing's changed,'' Kentucky coach Guy Morriss said. ``The kids were a little disappointed, but as soon as we got out onto the field for practice that all dissipated.''
The Wildcats, off to their best start in four years, now must pursue other goals.
``We've still got a chance to have a great season,'' senior punter Glenn Pakulak said. ``There's plenty to shoot for, like the best record in the Southeastern Conference and getting into the Top 25.
``I don't think you'll see any drop in our energy level. If anything, I think we'll play even harder.''
The NCAA rejected the appeals of both Southeastern Conference schools Tuesday. They had been cited for football recruiting violations and were trying to have the sanctions lifted.
The governing body upheld the one-year postseason ban on Kentucky's football team. It was one of several penalties levied against the school in January after internal and NCAA investigations found dozens of recruiting violations.
``The Kentucky case was one of widespread abuse by employees of the university,'' said Terry Don Phillips, chairman of the infractions appeals committee.
Kentucky appealed in February, contending the penalty was too harsh because the violations did not give the school a clear advantage.
``We conclude Kentucky construes the term `recruiting advantage' too narrowly in its argument,'' the committee said.
Alabama sought the restoration of six scholarships and its bowl eligibility. But the appeals committee upheld all the penalties imposed after the program was cited for improper recruiting by boosters and other infractions.
The NCAA placed Alabama on five years' probation Feb. 1, tacking on six scholarship cuts to the university's self-imposed reduction of 15, and banning the team from a bowl game for two years.
Those penalties were deemed appropriate because the violations were ``numerous and particularly egregious,'' the report said.
``Through this adversity, we will move forward and become stronger than ever,'' Alabama athletic director Mal Moore said.
Committee chairman Thomas Yeager said the panel considered the ``death penalty,'' which would shut the program for at least one season.
``But for the unequivocal cooperation of the university, it's very clear the death penalty most probably would have been imposed,'' Phillips said.
Kentucky president Lee Todd said he was disappointed for the players, coaches and fans.
``The prospect of postseason play in any sport is what drives the hope and optimism for all of us,'' he said.
The penalty carries an extra sting because Kentucky is 3-0 and has realistic bowl expectations following consecutive 2-9 seasons.
``Going into two-a-days, we knew that we weren't going to a bowl, so really nothing's changed,'' Kentucky coach Guy Morriss said. ``The kids were a little disappointed, but as soon as we got out onto the field for practice that all dissipated.''
The Wildcats, off to their best start in four years, now must pursue other goals.
``We've still got a chance to have a great season,'' senior punter Glenn Pakulak said. ``There's plenty to shoot for, like the best record in the Southeastern Conference and getting into the Top 25.
``I don't think you'll see any drop in our energy level. If anything, I think we'll play even harder.''
