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

DATE: SATURDAY, November 6, 1993                   TAG: 9311060149
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: C4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: OVERLAND PARK, KAN.                                LENGTH: Medium

DEMPSEY TAKES OVER NCAA

Cedric Dempsey became the NCAA's executive director Friday, after association officials determined he had no part in violations that occurred while he was athletic director at the University of Houston.

Dempsey, 61, now athletic director at the University of Arizona, replaces Dick Schultz, who was pressured into resigning in May when he was linked to an improper loan scheme while director of athletics at the University of Virginia. Schultz denied any involvement.

NCAA President Joe Crowley and Greg O'Brien, head of the NCAA Presidents Commission, said the Houston case was fully investigated during their search for Schultz's successor.

"I believe it's very fair to say the presidents are confident that throughout this gentleman's career he has behaved with integrity, with a desire to advance the role of intercollegiate athletics as a positive force in every institution where he has served," O'Brien said. "That integrity has been displayed throughout his career, and we know it will be displayed in this position. We have confidence this is a person whose vision and integrity is what this association needs."

Dempsey was Houston's athletic director from 1979 through 1982. After he left for Arizona, the NCAA enforcement division turned up numerous major violations that included cash payments of $500 to football players and other illegal benefits provided by coaches to players.

The official NCAA infractions report did not cite Dempsey. He told investigators he did not know about the violations.

"We believe that Houston chapter is one that we came to understand as well as it could be understood," Crowley said. "It did not alter our confidence in Ced as our choice."

Dempsey will sign a five-year contract.

As head of the ruling body of college sports, Dempsey said he was looking forward to a variety of challenges, including gender equity, ethnic representation and governing the association.

His appointment may be bad news for advocates of a Division I-A football playoff, which Schultz had championed.

"I don't see that as a primary factor as I move into this position," Dempsey said.

by CNB