Three players ruled ineligible

The University of North Carolina has dismissed senior defensive tackle Marvin Austin and the NCAA has ruled senior wide receiver Greg Little and junior defensive end Robert Quinn permanently ineligible, the University announced Monday.

The NCAA ruled Quinn and Little permanently ineligible according to a decision by the student-athlete reinstatement staff. The University declared both student-athletes ineligible for violations of NCAA agent benefits, preferential treatment and ethical conduct rules.

According to the facts submitted by the University, the total value of the benefits is approximately $4,952 for Little and $5,642 for Quinn.

A statement by UNC athletics director Dick Baddour on Monday morning indicated that the benefits provided to Austin were in the $10,000 to $13,000 range.

Little accepted diamond earrings, as well as travel accommodations to the Bahamas, Washington D.C., and two trips to Miami, among other benefits.

Quinn accepted two black diamond watches, a pair of matching earrings and travel accommodations for a trip to Miami, among other benefits.

UNC dismissed Austin from the football program for violations of NCAA agent benefits, preferential treatment and ethical conduct rules.

None of the players' cases were submitted to the NCAA for reinstatement.

"It's a sad day when three young men are no longer able to represent their school based on actions they have taken and decisions they have made contrary to NCAA rules," Baddour said.

Based upon information gathered by the institution and the NCAA Agent, Gambling, and Amateurism staff during its joint investigation, unethical conduct charges were found against both Quinn and Little for providing false and misleading information.

According to the facts submitted by the University, each student-athlete was not truthful during three separate interviews with University and NCAA enforcement staff members. Further, Little and Quinn only provided more accurate information when presented with evidence that was contrary to their assertions.