New academic policy may ban UConn

HARTFORD, Conn. – Big East presidents have agreed on a policy that would bar Connecticut’s men’s basketball team from next season’s conference tournament because the Huskies haven’t qualified academically for the 2013 NCAA tournament.

Spokesman John Paquette confirmed Friday that Big East presidents agreed to the concept during a meeting on March 7 in New York. He said the policy would bar any team in any sport from a conference tournament or championship if they are ineligible for the NCAA postseason.

UConn faces a ban from the 2013 NCAA tournament because it has failed to meet the NCAA’s academic standards from 2009-2011. The school is seeking a waiver from the ban, citing recent academic improvements.

Paquette said official language likely will be adopted in May, with the policy in place next season.