UCLA Sports Information UCLA tailback DeShaun
Foster has not played since Nov. 3.
By Scott Bair
Daily Bruin Contributor
The UCLA Athletic Department will appeal the severity of the
penalty laid down by the NCAA on Bruin running back DeShaun Foster
for his “extra benefits” violation, sports information
director Marc Dellis said Tuesday.
UCLA suspended Foster on Nov. 7 and the NCAA Student-Athlete
Reinstatement Staff announced on Nov. 16 that the senior Heisman
Trophy candidate would lose his eligibility for the rest of the
season.
During a press conference Monday, UCLA Athletic Director Peter
Dalis stated that the school is filing the appeal at the request of
Foster’s family and legal council. Without their request,
Dalis said, UCLA would not have challenged the ruling.
The appeal will take place in a Thursday conference call with
the NCAA Appeals Committee, which consists of administrators from
other schools in the NCAA coalition. Foster, his legal council, and
senior UCLA athletic department officials will also be on the line
during the call.
Before the conference call, the UCLA athletic department will
send a written statement to the committee that presents the facts
of the case and argues in favor of Foster’s reinstatement.
During the call, the Appeals Committee will question Foster and his
lawyer, Bob Berry, regarding the details of the “extra
benefits” he received.
The committee will then decide whether or not to alter the
penalty issued to Foster for his use of a 2001-2 Ford Expedition
loaned to him by actor/director Eric Laneuville.
UCLA head coach Bob Toledo refused to speculate on what
Foster’s reinstatement would do for the team. Toledo has
requested to meet with Foster on Wednesday, but will not change his
game plan to include him.
Toledo implied the appeal is being filed only as a token of
loyalty to their star running back.
“It shows that we care,” Toledo said.
“It’s the least we can do.”