Feb. 27, 2000 SportsLine wire reports

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Auburn officials sent leading scorer

	Related Links: Game summary Carmouche: Porter's problem left Auburn with little choice Florida humbles short-handed Auburn 88-59 Forum: How much do the Tigers need Porter?
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Chris Porter back to campus before Sunday's game against Florida after learning of possible contact between the player and an agent.

Auburn coach Cliff Ellis got word of the investigation late Saturday and sent Porter home. He did not play in No. 11 Auburn's 88-59 loss to No. 9 Florida.

"My hope is that he'll state whatever the circumstances are, be forthright and honest about it," Ellis said. "Then, if there's a mistake being made, hopefully, he'll admit it. He's certainly been good for the college game. I hope they'll allow him to come back and continue to contribute to a game he made a choice to come back to."

Auburn athletic director David Housel said the school learned that Porter possibly had contact with an agent or an agent's representative.

"Until the issue is resolved, we will withhold Chris from competition," Housel said. "We will resolve this matter as soon as possible."

From the looks of Sunday's game, the Tigers need Porter back.

Without Porter, and with injuries that hampered the effectiveness of Mamadou N'diaye and Daymeon Fishback, Auburn matched its worst loss of the season.

Porter came out of junior college last year and sparked a turnaround at Auburn, averaging 16 points and eight rebounds a game to lift the Tigers to their first NCAA Tournament in 11 seasons.

He was considered a possible first-round pick after last season, but a loss in the round of 16 of the tournament compelled him to stay for his senior year.

That, more than anything, is what confuses Ellis as he contemplates trying to make a tournament run without the preseason All-American.

"He's a young man who turned away the NBA last year and a young man who has worked so hard and is on target to get his degree this summer," Ellis said.

The coach awoke the players early Sunday morning to inform them that their teammate wouldn't be with them.

"All we can do is pray his situation will get worked out and he'll come back," guard Doc Robinson said.

Porter's alleged problem is nothing new to college basketball. Recently, players at UCLA, Syracuse and Cincinnati and Michigan have been investigated for possible improper dealings with agents or other sources.

"This is not a new situation in this sport," Ellis said. "A lot of it has to do with kids coming out of high school, coming out of college early. You just have to hope they don't have a weak moment. There are leeches out there and you can't let them come out there and suck on you."

Porter is averaging 14.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. He has played well lately, averaging 16 points and seven rebounds since Southeastern Conference play began.

His loss will be felt on the court. It also served a warning off of it.

"The thing I learned is that you have to make sure you associate with the right people," Robinson said. "If you do that, you'll be all right."