MWSU puts women’s basketball on probation
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Originally published 01:43 p.m., June 27, 2008
Updated 01:43 p.m., June 27, 2008
Missouri Western has put its women’s basketball program on probation for two years after an 11-month investigation found that former coaches most likely paid three basketball players, the St. Joseph News-Press is reporting.
The alleged violations took place under the watch of former women’s basketball coach Josh Keister from 2005-2007. The News-Press, citing anonymous sources, reported that former players Inga Buzoka, Kala Sledge and Renata deAlmeida were the players that received the extra benefits, which amounted to at least $1,000.
In addition to probation — meaning the program will operate under heightened scrutiny — the school also vacated all its wins during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons.
In 2006-07, Missouri Western won the MIAA regular-season championship and finished with a 30-4 record.
Western also will lose a scholarship for the 2009-10 season.
The school handed its report over to the NCAA and now will wait to see if the self-imposed penalties will be enough.
MIAA commissioner Jim Johnson said the conference wouldn’t make any decisions in regard to previous results until the NCAA reached a conclusion on the matter.