UNC requests reinstatement for Jones
Chapel Hill, N.C. - University of North Carolina senior wide receiver Dwight Jones committed a secondary NCAA violation when he allowed his name and photo to be used to promote an event in his hometown of Burlington, N.C.
NCAA rules prevent student-athletes from using their name, photo or likeness to promote a for-profit entity.
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UNC learned of the secondary violation and has declared Jones ineligible. Carolina has applied to the NCAA for his reinstatement.
"I apologize to my teammates, the coaching staff, and the University for the poor decision I made to allow my likeness to be used in the promotion of a party given by a family member while still a part of the Carolina football team," said Jones.
"I should have asked the coaching staff or administration before allowing this to happen. I was wrong and the party is cancelled. I'm sorry for being a distraction to our team and taking the focus away from our preparation for the Independence Bowl."
"Coach Withers and I met, and Dwight realizes he made a mistake," said UNC athletics director Bubba Cunningham. "Dwight has cancelled the party and we have submitted a reinstatement request with the NCAA."
UNC's compliance office also has sent a cease-and-desist letter to the party promoters.
North Carolina plays Missouri in the AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl on Monday, Dec. 26. The team departs for Shreveport on Thursday, Dec. 22.