The NCAA infractions committee is expected to announce today the extent of penalties for the Fresno State men's basketball program regarding violations that occurred during the Jerry Tarkanian era.

The ruling, barring an appeal, represents the final chapter in a three-year investigation the university has conducted with the NCAA, the governing body of college athletics.

The NCAA and school officials would neither confirm nor deny the ruling will be made public today.

Fresno State already has imposed penalties that include a two-year probation, the reduction of three men's basketball scholarships between 2004 and 2006, and a 2003 postseason ban for the men's basketball team.

After an NCAA infractions committee hearing in June, Fresno State president John Welty said he did not anticipate any further significant penalties.

The violations include academic fraud, a lack of institutional control, basketball players receiving extra benefits and players competing while ineligible. Welty has said that Tarkanian was not involved in any of the violations.

Today, the NCAA is expected to release the infractions committee report, which details the rationale the committee used to determine penalties. It also will reveal which side the committee took in disputes between Fresno State and the NCAA enforcement staff regarding specific allegations.

Fresno State banned itself in 2003 in part because the team opens the Save Mart Center this season and is scheduled to host the Western Athletic Conference tournament in March 2004.

The infractions committee has imposed a two-year postseason ban 12 times in the past 10 years.

The university could be forced to vacate -- or have removed from the record -- more than 50 victories between 1998 and 2001, and return money earned from the 2000 NCAA Tournament.

Five players played at least a portion of their careers while ineligible, according to NCAA documents.

Among the points of contention that will be decided is whether former academic adviser Katie Felten took part in the academic fraud that occurred in 2000.

The NCAA alleged she was involved, while the university declined to take a position. Felten has denied involvement.

The committee also will rule whether street agent Nate Cebrun is considered a representative of the university's athletic interests, which would prompt harsh penalties.

Cebrun, who worked as a middleman between registered agents and players, funneled several hundred dollars to a player. The NCAA has argued that he is a representative, while Fresno State has argued that he is not.

The NCAA defines a representative of the university's athletic interests as someone who has made financial contributions to the athletic program or provided benefits to athletes, among other things.