FRESNO, Calif. — As many as two dozen football players from Fresno State University have been implicated in a welfare fraud investigation involving a county Department of Social Services worker accused of filing for false benefits for them and others.
The social services eligibility specialist was arrested last month by an investigator with the Fresno County district attorney’s office but has not been charged. University officials have declined to comment beyond a written statement.
“It’s an ongoing investigation out of the DA’s office. We don’t comment on ongoing investigations, and that’s what we’re standing on,” said Paul Ladwid, assistant athletic director.
The allegations involve members of the 2010 squad, and many are still on the team this year. The university said in its written statement that “violations of the Code of Conduct did occur and punitive actions have been levied upon a number of current student-athletes.”
The athletes could face additional penalties once the investigation is complete.
Footnotes.
The ACC presidents are considering increasing the buyout for member schools to leave the conference, reported.
• Oregon linebacker Kiko Alonso, suspended indefinitely after an alcohol-related offense in the offseason, has been reinstated for today’s home opener against Nevada.
• South Carolina freshman receiver Damiere Byrd has been suspended four games by the NCAA for his involvement with the Student Athlete Mentoring Foundation, the same organization Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd was involved with and he received a two-game suspension.
