UH volleyball awaits fate

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team may not learn for several weeks what punishment it will receive for violating an NCAA rule involving a player who competed during the national championship season in 2002.

UH athletic director Herman Frazier yesterday said the school committed a violation "regarding the eligibility of one of our men's volleyball players."

Along with its findings on the matter, the school was expected to forward a suggested punishment to the NCAA. The NCAA can accept the recommendation, come up with its own punishment or take no action.

Punishments can range from forfeiture of the title — the school's only NCAA men's team championship — to reprimands.

Frazier declined to identify the player.

Although the complaint was filed in May 2003, The Advertiser has learned from people familiar with the situation that the violation involved an international player who competed during the Warriors' national-championship season in 2002. The foreign-born players on the 2002 roster were Geronimo Chala, Jose Delgado, Dejan Miladinovic, Jake Muise, Costas Theocharidis and Eyal Zimet.

The accused player, The Advertiser has learned, was alleged to have had professional experience before playing for UH, a violation of the amateur standard spelled out in the NCAA rules. Sources asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the situation.

UH coach Mike Wilton said he could not predict the NCAA's timetable or decision.

"I don't feel qualified to gauge the NCAA," Wilton said. "I'm not sure what they're going to do."

In a faxed statement to the media yesterday, Frazier said: "On May 7, 2003, the University received notification from the NCAA regarding the eligibility of one of our men's volleyball players. As a result, we have recently concluded an extensive internal investigation regarding the inquiry.

"... Although the University's report to the NCAA concludes there has been a violation, it also states that the University and the men's volleyball coaching staff did not know and could not have known about it until the investigation was completed in June 2003."

Wilton said the athletic department has an extensive screening process. He said each player's amateur status is checked annually.

"I feel very confident the university did its part, above and beyond the call," said Wilton, referring to both the screening and post-accusation investigation. "I can honestly say that departmentally and university-wise, we're the standard bearers on how it should be done on dealing with it."

When asked if the accused player provided misleading information about his background, Wilton said, "I don't feel qualified to make a statement."

In recent years, the NCAA has sanctioned member schools for using players who did not accept money but played alongside professionals.

UH basketball players Predrag Savovic and Haim Shimonovich missed games for such infractions. In January, freshman Pedro Azenha was suspended for the Warriors' first four volleyball matches because he played in a tournament that included pro players.

In the 2002 NCAA championship match in Pennsylvania, the Warriors defeated Pepperdine in four games. Pepperdine coach Marv Dunphy said UH's admitted violation should not change that outcome.

"That was done," Dunphy said. "We played the match and they beat us."

It has not been made public who filed the accusation or in what form it was reported or received.

Dunphy said he called Wilton yesterday "to say neither Pepperdine nor Marv Dunphy was aware of" any violation prior to yesterday's announcement. "I have great respect for their coaching staff," Dunphy added.

UCLA coach Al Scates also said he did not report UH to the NCAA.

"I've never turned in anybody," Scates said.

Scates said the Warriors should be allowed to keep their national championship.

"It's already over with, why go back?" Scates said. "Hawai'i won the championship. They deserve it. ... I don't see any point in rehashing something that's been done."

Vernon Podlewski, the starting libero on UH's 2002 team, said the violation does not taint the championship.

"They're not taking my ring from me," Podlewski said. "They have to find me and catch me. I worked as hard as anybody. I feel strongly about holding the ring."

Podlewski said he knows the identity of the accused player, but added, "I totally stand by my guys. I totally do."