TAMPA — USF senior guard Corey Allen, the Bulls' leader with 15.4 points per game, has been ruled ineligible for six games by the NCAA for receiving impermissible benefits at a previous institution.
The school announced the suspension in a three-paragraph statement Saturday morning. The announcement means the collegiate career of Allen, who arrived at USF in 2013 after two seasons at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, Calif., essentially is over.
USF (8-20, 2-13) has three regular-season games remaining, including today's contest at Houston, before the American Athletic Conference tournament.
"Things happen for a reason," Allen said on Twitter on Saturday. "Gotta think about my future now."
An internal inquiry initiated by USF determined Allen received improper benefits regarding tuition payments for courses he completed at "another institution" before his arrival in Tampa, USF's statement said.
The NCAA's decision does not affect the Bulls' won-loss record this season or last, USF said. Whether Allen will be honored as a senior at Saturday's home finale against Tulane was unclear.
Contact Joey Knight at jknight@tampabay.com. Follow @TBTimes_Bulls.