UConn prez praises Boatright's handling of probe

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - University of Connecticut president Susan Herbst is praising Huskies basketball player Ryan Boatright in the wake of an NCAA investigation into his eligibility.

In a statement released Sunday morning, Herbst said the school is pleased that Boatright has been cleared to play by the NCAA and said he showed "a strength of character that is seldom demanded of college freshman."

Boatright has missed nine games as a result of the NCAA probe. He was cleared Saturday to return to action, despite a finding by the governing body that the freshman and his mother received more than $8,000 in impermissible benefits both before and after he enrolled in school.

The 6-foot point guard was granted limited immunity by the NCAA for cooperating and is repaying $4,500 in benefits.