Pitt player won't be dismissed

	Related Links: UConn freshmen reinstated Projected NCAA Tournament brackets SportsLine's Super 64 Miech's Sweet 16
	T O P   N E W S

NEW YORK -- St. John's sophomore guard Erick Barkley was ruled ineligible for three games by the NCAA on Tuesday for a rules violation. The school is appealing.

Barkley, who sat out last Saturday's 59-58 victory over Boston College and Tuesday night's 61-46 win at Providence, will also miss Saturday's home game against Villanova. The next game he will be eligible for is Feb. 15, at Boston College.

The violation was exchanging cars with a family friend, two sources familiar with the case have told The Associated Press.

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 they not be identified.

The exchange would violate NCAA rules if Barkley received preferential treatment because he is an athlete or if it constituted possible payback for when he turns professional.

St. John's athletic director Ed Manetta Jr. said the school is appealing to the NCAA's Division I Sub-Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement and expects a ruling by Friday.

"We're disappointed and think the ruling is unfortunate," Manetta said. "We appealed immediately and that's the process we're in right now and that started Saturday. We have moved on to the next committee in the process and are hoping for a ruling from it by late Thursday or Friday morning."

On Sunday, Manetta said he expected feedback from the NCAA the next day. The school was asked for further clarification regarding the case Monday and the ruling came down Tuesday.

Barkley, who missed two games earlier this season because of a knee injury, is averaging 16.9 points, 4.1 assists and 2.6 rebounds in 17 games for the Red Storm (15-6).

Barkley has been wearing a large band-aid on his left cheek after being scratched during practice early in the season. On Tuesday night against Providence, his teammates wore band-aids on their left cheeks.

"We wanted to support our player," guard Bootsy Thornton said.

Red Storm coach Mike Jarvis was vigorous in his defense of Barkley and extremely critical of the NCAA on Saturday. He talked with Barkley, who did not make the trip to Providence, on the phone after the decision was handed down.

"He was disappointed," Jarvis said. "He was totally confused as to how this could happen and wondering why he is a victim."

Jarvis said his opinion of the entire situation hasn't changed.

"Until the day I die, the good guys will win, the bad guys will lose. Justice will be served," he said.