CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) -- Clemson's 7-foot-2 freshman Catalin Baciu has been suspended by the NCAA for the season's first five games because he played on a pro team in his native Romania five years ago.
The State of Columbia says that Clemson has appealed to the NCAA to reduce the suspension for the first-year player.
The 20-year-old Baciu was a teenager when he played for Mobitelco, a club team that competes in Romania's top division. However, Baciu's prep coach says the center was not a paid member of the pro team.
The NCAA prohibits college players from taking part on a pro team whether they are paid or not.
Should the suspension stand, Baciu would miss Clemson's three games at the Charleston Classic from Nov. 14-16, then games with Wofford (Nov. 19) and Charlotte (Nov. 22).
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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