Athletes to serve suspensions

The university suspended 26 football players Aug. 31 for receiving extra benefits from the Shoe Box, a discount shoe store in Black Earth, Wis.

Players must sit out one to three games, depending on the level of extra benefit they received. Some already started suspension with Thursday’s game against Western Michigan.

A women’s soccer player also was suspended for two games. These players, along with 55 others, must also pay back the amount of benefit received to a charity of their choice. Some players must also perform community service.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association handed down the suspensions following an investigation by the university into the extra benefit allegations.

The university’s investigation now turns to the eligibility of winter sport athletes who may have received extra benefits, and will culminate with a self-report to be turned over to the NCAA.