Feb. 7, 2000 SportsLine wire reports

NEW YORK -- The NCAA contacted St. John's late Monday afternoon for further clarification regarding the case of sophomore guard Erick Barkley.

	Related Links: Browne: NCAA suspends first, asks questions later St. John's squeaks by Boston College Audio: St. John's AD Ed Manetta hopes NCAA rules quickly on Erick Barkley case Real | Windows Media Audio: Coach Mike Jarvis is unhappy with Barkley's suspension Real | Windows Media Forum: Can St. John's win without Barkley?
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Barkley, one of college basketball's top guards, was suspended by the school Saturday over a possible NCAA rules violation. The move in question concerned exchanging cars with a family friend, two sources familiar with the case have told The Associated Press.

St. John's athletic director Ed Manetta Jr., who had indicated he had hoped for feedback from the NCAA on Monday, said the university complied with the request.

Barkley did not leave with the team Monday for Tuesday night's game at Providence, but the school said he is prepared to make the trip.

Barkley traded his late model Jeep Cherokee for a bigger but older Ford Expedition that belongs to a family friend, said a source close to Barkley and another with knowledge of the matter, both speaking on condition of anonymity.

The exchange could be a violation of NCAA rules if Barkley received preferential treatment because he is an athlete or if it constituted possible payback for when he turns professional.

"It's their interpretation against our interpretation. They are accusing him of being guilty," Manetta said Saturday. "We have to prove he's innocent, but at this time we've had to suspend him."

Barkley is averaging 16.9 points, 4.1 assists and 2.6 rebounds in 17 games for the Red Storm (14-6). He sat out Saturday's 59-58 victory over Boston College.

Red Storm coach Mike Jarvis, who vigorously defended Barkley on Saturday, issued an apology for a statement he made during the postgame news conference.

"I apologize for likening this situation to rape," Jarvis said in the statement. "It clearly is not a comparable situation and I was wrong to say that it was. I said something in an emotional moment that was insensitive and I am deeply sorry for that."

On Saturday, Jarvis, in commenting about the NCAA, said "I hope that none of you feel the way I have the last two days, as if someone had come into my house and raped me."