Arizona State Starts Probe of Tailback

Arizona State is conducting an investigation in the case of suspended sophomore tailback Loren Wade to determine whether any NCAA infractions occurred, university officials said Tuesday.

The investigation reportedly centers on Wade’s relationship with a former athletic department employee.

Wade, a starter for the 4-0 and 21st-ranked Sun Devils, was suspended indefinitely from the team before Saturday night’s home game against Oregon State.

Arizona State Coach Dirk Koetter said Wade, the squad’s leading rusher this season with 185 yards in 50 carries, violated team rules but declined to disclose any details.

When asked of Wade’s situation Monday, Koetter said: “It’s out of my control right now.”

Athletic Director Gene Smith issued a statement Tuesday on Wade’s situation, saying an investigation was being conducted “to determine if there have been NCAA infractions committed in a case involving a student-athlete.”

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Virginia senior defensive end Chris Canty will undergo knee surgery and sit out the rest of the season.

The 6-foot-7, 290-pound Canty was injured late in 12th-ranked Virginia’s 31-10 victory over Syracuse on Saturday.