Louisville forward Caracter out for 3 games over rules violation

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -Louisville freshman forward Derrick Caracter will have to sit out three games during the 2006-07 season for taking money from a family friend this summer.

An investigation by the university revealed Caracter received $2,146 in travel-related expenses to attend a pair of basketball camps and visit Louisville as a recruit from the friend, the NCAA said Friday.

Caracter repaid the loan to the friend, who was not identified, according to the university.

The university said the friend was a longtime acquaintance of Caracter's and had a relationship with Caracter's family dating back several years.

"In assessing Mr. Caracter's responsibility for this violation, the staff determined he had some culpability," said Jennifer Strawley, NCAA director of membership services and student-athlete reinstatement. "However ... only a minimal withholding was warranted."

Louisville coach Rick Pitino said the school will not file an appeal.

"That's the decision and we will move forward," he said. "It's behind us now."

The Cardinals began practice Friday. The university said earlier this week that conditioning problems would prevent Caracter, a 6-foot-9 power forward from Fanwood, N.J., from participating.

The investigation came in light in late August, and the Cardinals held Caracter out of a three-game exhibition trip to Canada in September as a precaution.

Louisville opens the season on Nov. 18 against Northwestern State. If Caracter sat out the first three games of the season, he would be eligible to return on Dec. 5, when the Cardinals play against Arizona at the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden.