NCAA penalizes BYU after player receives inappropriate benefits

PROVO, Utah (AP) – BYU's men's basketball program is subject to a two-year probation and must cancel 47 wins under Friday's NCAA sanctions in a case of undue benefits involving guard Nick Emery.

The NCAA said the player had received more than $ 12,000 in benefits from four boosters, including travel expenses for concerts, an amusement park and the use of a new car. The NCAA also accepted the sanctions that the university imposed on itself: a reduction in a purse, dissociation of one of its boosters and a fine of $ 5,000.

BYU said in a statement that the university, the coaching staff and the sports department had no knowledge of the infractions and that they were not in agreement with the Cancellation of victories. The NCAA did not identify Emery by name, but the university's statement indicates that the case concerned him.

The university also announced its intention to appeal the decision, saying that the cancellation of the victories was too harsh and did not correspond to recent cases.

"This sanction includes the penalty of cancellation of the most severe record ever imposed in the history of Division I of the NCAA for offenses that involve no knowledge or institutional involvement," the statement said. "In addition, in the case most similar to this situation, appropriate sanctions were imposed, but no victory was canceled."

Cougars coach Dave Rose said in a statement that he was disappointed with the decision and supported the university's plan to appeal.

Emery was removed from school last season due to personal problems and inappropriate benefit reports. The 6-foot-2 guard returned to the program in April and was reinstated by the NCAA, but attends the first nine games of this season. He was captain during the 2016-17 season and was third in the team with 13.1 points per game and second with 75 3 points.

Emery said Friday on Twitter: "My intentions were never to harm the program or the university. I am grateful to Coach Rose and the University for being with me throughout this process. "