WASHINGTON – Just two days after Howard University suspended its entire sports program and then reversed its decision, the school is reinstating student-athletes who had been declared ineligible to compete.
The university says all spring sports teams will compete as scheduled for the remainder of the season.
On Wednesday, the school announced it would temporarily suspend all sports teams and games after reports emerged that textbook vouchers were inappropriately used by some student-athletes. The story was first reported by The Washington City Paper.
At the time, Howard said it planned to bar some athletes from competing, but did not specify how many and from what sport.
An investigation into possible NCAA violations continues.
“We are working diligently to fully resolve this matter as quickly as a possible,” university spokesperson Kerry-Ann Hamilton said in a statement Wednesday. “In order to protect the integrity of this review, we are unable to share additional details at this time.”
Students and alumni tweeted in reaction to the university’s suspended programs early Wednesday afternoon:
Wait whaaat? RT @IceColdSoloAce Howard U no sports. We will soon get news that Howard Homecoming has been canceled.
— Inz (@inniebeanie) April 4, 2012
As if a minor detail like ‘no game today’ would matter RT @DaAnsahOnSports: @pink_funk I guess no Howard U homecoming events on Georgia Ave.
— rebkah howard (@pink_funk) April 4, 2012
“@Dr_Suesseton: “@JcamofYOUNEEK: All sports are suspended right now at Howard U lol” Wait? Why?” Book voucher violations
— David Malik (@dmb_dmv) April 4, 2012
Speculation that violation of NCAA rules forced Howard U to suspend all of its athletic teams. dc.sbnation.com/2012/4/4/29257