Mississippi State's appeal in Sidney case denied

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- The Division I Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee has denied Mississippi State's appeal of the NCAA's penalty against basketball player Renardo Sidney.

The independent committee's decision closes the 11-month investigation into the top prospect's eligibility, a Tuesday news release from the school says.

The NCAA accused Sidney of lying to investigators and ruled earlier this month that he will have to sit out about nine games next season and repay extra benefits he received as a high school player in Los Angeles.

The school only appealed the suspension and did not appeal the $11,800 financial penalty, money the NCAA says Sidney received because of his future earning potential.