Jamar Samuels Eligibility Issue Stems From Wire Transfer, According To Reports

Jamar Samuels Eligibility Issue Reportedly Related To Benefits From Curtis Malone

Jamar Samuels did not play for the Kansas State Wildcats on Saturday after a last-minute eligibility issue popped up. The issue reportedly did not relate to academics or discipline, leading many to wonder why, exactly, Samuel was hastily rendered ineligible just minutes before the Wildcats' Third Round matchup with Syracuse on Sunday.

According to Topeka Capital-Journal reporter Austin Meek, the eligibility problem may have stemmed from benefits given to Samuel by DC Assault founder Curtis Malone.

Malone, reached by phone, acknowledged sending money before NCAA Tournament. "Yeah, I did," he said. "Yeah, I did." Malone didn't believe gift represented an impermissible benefit because of his pre-existing relationship with Samuels and his mother. "There hasn't been anything extravagant or large lumps," Malone said. "I don't just give a kid money ..." "It's the same way when he played with DC Assault on road trips," Malone said. "When he didn't have money to eat, he ate." Story later.

On one hand, it seems cut and dried. If Malone did send money, as a gift or otherwise, there would sure seem to be some kind of NCAA violation. On the other, if Malone did have a pre-existing relationship, there might be more to the story.

Syracuse knocked the Wildcats out of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday. Samuels is a senior, so it's unclear what, if any, effect this may have going forward.

Edit: Jeff Goodman reports it was a $200 wire transfer.

Jamar Samuels was suspended by Kansas State for a $200 wire transfer on Monday from his AAU coach Curtis Malone.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanCBS) March 17, 2012

VIDEO: Frank Martin Breaks Down After NCAA Tournament Loss

Jamar Samuels Out For Kansas State Vs. Syracuse With Eligibility Issue

As the Syracuse Orange get set to take on the Kansas State Wildcats in the first game of Round 3 of the 2012 NCAA Tournament without center Fab Melo, the Wildcats will also be without senior forward Jamar Samuels according to a school release.

K-State just put out a release: No Jamar Samuels today. He is dealing with an eligibility concern.

— Kellis Robinett (@KellisRobinett) March 17, 2012

Samuels averaged 10.3 points per game and 6.6 rebounds per game for the Wildcats; he was the team's second leading scorer. In a weird twist however, it appears Kansas State is working fervently to get Samuels eligibility restored so he can play in the game.

I asked if he could be cleared to play during the game. John Currie said K-State is working as rapidly as possible to resolve issue.

— Kellis Robinett (@KellisRobinett) March 17, 2012

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.

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