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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 1:19 p.m., Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Nebraska wrestlers dismissed, accused of posing nude

By ERIC OLSON
AP Sports Writer

LINCOLN, Neb. — Two Nebraska wrestlers, including one who won an NCAA championship in 2007, have been dismissed from the team after posing naked for videos and photographs on an Internet pornography site.

Paul Donahoe and Kenny Jordan were let go today, three days after a blog posted images of them taken from Fratmentv.com, a Web site featuring naked or partially clothed male athletes.

"The history of behavior of these men, including the current matter, does not reflect the standard of excellence we aspire to on and off the mat," coach Mark Manning said in a statement. "We have outstanding student-athletes in our program and we will move forward in a positive manner toward our goals.

"I want to personally apologize for any embarrassment that may have been caused for our athletic department, the university and our fans."

Manning didn't address the nature of the wrestlers' past transgressions, and didn't immediately return a message left on his cell phone seeking comment.

Donahoe, the national champion 125-pounder in 2007 and third-place finisher in 2008, did not respond to an e-mail seeking comment. The Associated Press has requested interviews with the men through the athletic department. Personal phone numbers couldn't be found.

The athletic department became aware of the images on the Internet late last week, assistant athletic director for compliance Josh White said. Donahoe and Jordan were declared ineligible because they violated an NCAA rule that prohibits athletes from appearing in pictures for commercial use, White said.

Donahoe and Jordan would have to apply to the NCAA for reinstatement if they choose to wrestle for another school, White said.

The Scarlet Project, a blog that touts itself for reporting "news, scandal and gossip" at the university, posted the pictures online but altered them so that they didn't show full nudity. The blog reported that they were obtained from an anonymous person.