Alabama State football probation reduced by NCAA

    MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The NCAA has reduced the probation
period for Alabama State University’s football program from five to
three years.
    In December the NCAA placed the Hornets football program on
probation for 17 rules violations that allegedly occurred from
1999-2003. Violations included changing grades, allowing ineligible
players to play and practice and conducting offseason workouts not
allowed by NCAA rules.
    The NCAA said in a release Tuesday that it was reducing the
length of probation because it determined ASU officials took
actions to correct the problems while the case was being
investigated.
    The NCAA did not lift a penalty that prevents the Hornets from
competing for the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship in
the 2009 season.