Draft switcheroo costs Webster

NCAA reportedly declares LB ineligible for 3 games

Posted: Sunday February 27, 2000 06:35 PM

Even if Webster's suspension is upheld, he will be able to join the team for spring practice next month. Rick Stewart/Allsport

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) -- The NCAA has suspended Miami Hurricanes linebacker Nate Webster, the team's leading tackler last season, for the first three games of the 2000 season, according to a published report.

Miami officials have appealed the NCAA's ruling, asking that the penalty be reduced to one game, The Palm Beach Post reported in its Sunday edition, citing an anonymous source.

University spokesman Bob Burda said he was unaware of action by the NCAA. The NCAA does not comment before making formal announcements.

Webster, a second-team All-American last season, decided to skip his senior season and applied to enter the NFL draft on Jan. 10. That same night, Webster changed his mind, and the NFL agreed to take his name off a list of players requesting early entry into the draft.

But according to NCAA rules, Webster became ineligible simply by applying to the NFL.

Miami asked that Webster's eligibility be restored, but the NCAA denied the request.

The NCAA is seeking phone records from Webster, presumably to certify that he called the NFL to rescind his application on the same night he applied to enter the draft.

Even if Webster is suspended, he will be eligible to practice while he sits out. The Hurricanes begin spring practice next month.

The Hurricanes' first three games of 2000 are home against McNeese State, at Washington and at West Virginia.

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