NCAA upholds Florida State penalties; Bowden's win total affected

NCAA Football Betting Lines

01/05/2010 - Indianapolis, IN (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The NCAA has denied an appeal by Florida State to overturn the vacation-of-records penalty stemming from academic fraud violations, a decision that will cost former head football coach Bobby Bowden some of his victories.

Bowden stepped down as FSU's head coach after the Seminoles beat West Virginia in the Gator Bowl. He retired with 389 wins, second-most in major college football behind Penn State's Joe Paterno, but that total will now be reduced.

The Division I Committee on Infractions originally levied the records penalty, along with a four-year period of probation and reduced scholarships, in March of 2009 for major violations across 10 sports involving 61 student-athletes during 2006 and 2007.

Bowden's teams won a total of 14 games during the 2006 and '07 seasons. All 14 wins could be vacated if ineligible players participated in those games.

In addition to academic fraud, the case involved improper benefits, unethical conduct by academic service staff members and a failure on Florida State's part to monitor the developments.

Florida State, in its written appeal, said the vacation-of-records penalty was excessive, adding that the infractions committee did not appropriately consider the school's cooperation during the investigation.

An appeals committee, however, disagreed.

"The cooperative efforts of the university clearly did not outweigh the aggravating factors in this case -- the nature, number, scope and seriousness of the violations," the appeals committee stated in its report.

Florida State must still determine the contests in which the ineligible student-athletes participated and then report those vacated records to the NCAA national office. Individual records of the student-athletes and head coaches in those sports also must be vacated.

The NCAA said the case involved three former academic support staff members -- a learning specialist, academic advisor and tutor -- that gave improper assistance to the athletes, which resulted in the academic fraud.

Wwwplayblackjack NCAA Football Betting News

<< Ginepri ousts Soderling in Chennai
Chennai, India (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - American Robby Ginepri upended world No. 8 Swede Robin Soderling in Tuesday's first-round action at the season-opening Chennai Open, an Australian Open tune-up. Ginepri grounded the top-seeded Soderli

<< Hurricanes' Walker out 4-6 weeks after shoulder surgery
Raleigh, NC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Carolina Hurricanes forward Scott Walker will miss four to six weeks after undergoing shoulder surgery Tuesday morning. The procedure was performed at Rex Surgery Center in Cary, North Carolina by Dr. Marty

<< Angels broadcaster Markas dies
Anaheim, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim radio play- by-play man Rory Markas has passed away. The Orange County Register is reporting that he died of a possible heart attack. Markas, 54, who had been cal

<< Turner out as Bears offensive coordinator
Chicago, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Chicago Bears have reportedly fired offensive coordinator Ron Turner. According to the Chicago Tribune, which cited a league source in its report, Turner's dismissal might be just one of a few

<< Phillies sign reliever Baez
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Philadelphia Phillies have signed right-handed reliever Danys Baez to a two-year, $5.25 million deal. "Danys brings both experience and success to our bullpen," said Phillies general manage

Penguins' Kunitz out for 4 to 6 weeks >>
PITTSBURGH (AP) -Pittsburgh Penguins forward Chris Kunitz will undergo surgery Wednesday to repair a torn abdominal muscle and is expected to be out four to six weeks.The Penguins recalled forward Luca Caputi from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL) to repl

Federer, Nadal win '10 openers >>
Doha, Qatar (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - World No. 1 superstar Roger Federer and former top-ranked stalwart Rafael Nadal highlighted Tuesday's first-round winners at the season-opening Qatar Open, an Australian Open tune-up. The two-time Doha titlist

Saints put DE Grant on IR >>
Metairie, LA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The New Orleans Saints have placed defensive end Charles Grant on injured reserve because of a triceps injury. Grant was hurt during this past Sunday's season-finale against Carolina. He played in all 16

Giants sign Uribe to one-year deal >>
San Francisco, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The San Francisco Giants have signed infielder Juan Uribe to a one-year contract. Although financial details were not released, the deal is believed to be worth $3.25 million. "We are

Kidd joins JGR's No.20 Nationwide team >>
Huntersville, NC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Joe Gibbs Racing announced on Tuesday that Kevin Kidd will serve as crew chief for its No.20 entry during the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series season. Kidd replaces Dave Rogers, who recently was appointed a

El Duque expected to throw Tuesday

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets pitcher Orlando Hernandez, sidelined at spring training because of arthritis in his neck, is expected to resume throwing on Tuesday.

Hernandez received a cortisone shot Thursday after leaving camp and returning to New York to have his neck examined. The 41-year-old right-hander is penciled in as the team's No. 2 starter behind Tom Glavine.

El Duque's health is a major issue for the Mets, who won the NL East in 2007 and came within one victory of the World Series. Their aging and unsettled rotation is a big question mark this year.

MySportsbook.com has the Mets as -110 favorites to repeat as NL East champions odds. 

Hernandez went 11-11 with a 4.66 ERA last season, including 9-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts after the Mets acquired him from Arizona in late May. But he missed the playoffs because of a torn calf muscle.

New York already is without Pedro Martinez, out until at least midseason following rotator cuff surgery. Among those competing for starting jobs are prospects Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber and Jason Vargas, plus veterans Chan Ho Park, Jorge Sosa and Aaron Sele.

Notes: Mets manager Willie Randolph is excited about two new utility players he could have on his bench: Damion Easley and David Newhan. ''Their value is really all over the place,'' Randolph said. Easley can play anywhere in the infield and could be used as an emergency outfielder, though Randolph said he would prefer to keep the veteran in the infield. Newhan, meanwhile, can play second base, third or any outfield position for the Mets. ''I love versatility,'' Randolph said. ''I love guys that can give me options when I need them to step in.''

Additional baseball lines and World Series odds can be found at: www.MySportsbook.com

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com - this sportsbook accepts credit cards.

MySportsbook.com is operated by Sportingbet, a UK gambling company which is publicly traded on the AIM on the London Stock Exchange.

Sportingbet easily forms the world's largest Internet gaming company, with a truly global outreach. This also provides added transparency and accountability to this online Sportsbook and thus provides more safety and security for our customers. MySportsbook offers betting lines on all major sporting events. Our staff of almost 400 people includes clerks ready 365 days a year, 24 hours a day to care for your needs.

MySportsbook's competent, experienced managerial staff and personnel are backed by a state-of-the art sports wagering software.

We offer a 15% sign-up bonus to new customers who use Neteller for deposit and 10% bonus for all other deposit methods. Casino clients can take advantage of a 5% cash back monthly. Clients are also eligible for a 5% re-up bonus on subsequent deposits and 10% cash back on NFL losses.* Our instant-play flash casino is no-download, just click and go to a wide range of games including online Blackjack, 3-Card Poker, Craps, Baccarat, Roulette and Pai-Gow Poker, as well as a variety of slots and video poker games for the complete online casino Las Vegas experience.

My Sports book accepts all credit cards, online checks, Neteller, Firepay and bank wires. MySportsbook guarantees prompt, hassle-free payouts, as well as unparalleled individual attention from its acclaimed customer service department.

To visit this sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your Sportsbook accepts Visa needs.