
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, August 4, 1993                   TAG: 9308040549
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Newport News Daily Press
DATELINE: NEWPORT NEWS                                LENGTH: Medium

TREATMENT OF IVERSON CATCHES NCAA'S EYE

Allen Iverson, regarded by many as the best high school prospect in the nation, may have received preferential treatment at a shoe company's all-star basketball festival last month that could jeopardize his amateur status and college eligibility, an NCAA official said Tuesday.

Iverson, who was convicted of three felony counts last month and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 8, participated in the Nike All-American Basketball Festival in Indianapolis. Each player invited received round-trip air transportation to the event, which was held from July 6-10 and showcased next season's top college prospects.

Iverson was flown back to Hampton, at Nike's expense, the night before his trial began on Friday, July 9. After the proceedings were continued until the following Monday, Nike flew Iverson back to Indianapolis for the all-star game on Saturday.

That extra flight is what has attracted the NCAA's attention.

"There is a potential amateur problem here, and if at some point he seeks a college athletic scholarship, he'll have to take care of that," said Steve Mallonee, a director of legislative services. "The whole intent is to provide authorized expenses, not to provide expenses for events other than the event the player is participating in.

"That does call into question what was authorized. . . . The individual is not allowed to receive preferential treatment. . . . The organization can provide expenses for the event, but to court and a trial, you have to question whether that's preferential treatment."

Neither Iverson nor Bethel High School basketball coach Michael Bailey could be reached for comment Tuesday. Boo Williams, Iverson's AAU coach, described the situation as "very unusual."

Rich Sheubrooks, the manager of basketball events for Nike, stood by his festival's decision to fly Iverson back for his trial and said he does not consider that special treatment. "Kids are flown to and from different camps all summer long," Sheubrooks said.

According to the NCAA Manual, amateur status can be lost if an athlete receives "preferential treatment, benefits or services because of the individual's athletics reputation or skill."

If the NCAA decides Iverson no longer is an amateur, he would be ineligible to play at any NCAA-member institution. A school may still recruit and sign him but then must appeal the NCAA's eligibility committee in order for him to play.

Iverson's final season of high school basketball - either at Bethel or elsewhere - does not appear jeopardized by the plane trip.

Hampton Circuit Court Judge Nelson T. Overton on Tuesday delayed Iverson's sentencing from Aug. 18 to Sept. 8. Iverson was convicted on three counts of maiming by mob on July 12 for his role in a Hampton bowling alley brawl on Feb. 14. He could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.

It is unlikely the NCAA will decide on Iverson's eligibility before his sentencing. "It's not an urgent issue for us at this point," Mallonee said.

by CNB