SAN DIEGO ---- The NCAA Division I Infractions Appeals Committee upheld the two-year probation levied against San Diego State's football program for holding out-of-season practices, the NCAA announced Wednesday.

The university was placed on probation Feb. 25. In an appeal hearing held Aug. 18 in Chicago, the university argued that the probation was excessive and expressed concern regarding the 'stigma' of probation.

University president Stephen Weber and high-ranking vice president Ernie Griffin also emphasized at the appeal hearing that SDSU had imposed its own penalties, including a reduction in practices and scholarships.

The five-person appeals committee, chaired by Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips disagreed, deciding that the penalty was appropriately tailored to the facts of the case.

"We understand San Diego State's concern regarding the stigma of probation, particularly in light of the institution's acceptance of responsibility and its self-imposed penalties," the Infractions Appeals Committee wrote. "Nevertheless, the violations were serious and included a failure to monitor."

The penalties centered on workouts conducted at a local beach by offensive line coach Damon Baldwin during the summers of 1998-2001. The workouts were held before the NCAA allows teams to practice. And attendance was mandatory. The NCAA Committee on Infractions uncovered written evidence that showed Baldwin kept attendance.

In addition, at least one workout was videotaped and made available for commercial sale through a Web site created by Baldwin.

Baldwin served two separate penalties for his actions. He was suspended for six days (five without pay) in August 2002 and served an unpaid five-day suspension following the 2002 season.

The summer workouts were conducted during Ted Tollnerís tenure as coach. The school also was found to have engaged in football-like workouts prior to the official starting date of spring football practices in March 2002 under current coach Tom Craft.

"We're disappointed the NCAA Division I Infraction Appeals Committee denied our appeal," Weber said in a statement. "We continue to focus on ensuring our athletics department is dedicated to meeting the high standards of conduct and performance on and off the field that our students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans expect and deserve.

"We have taken substantial steps in this direction in recent months. Continuing this progress will be a top priority for our new athletics director."

The university is in the final stages of hiring a new athletic director. Rick Bay was AD at the time of the NCAA violations. Bay resigned in May after the results of a California State University Chancellor Office's audit detailed irregularities in the athletic department.

The probation runs through Feb. 24, 2005. SDSU avoided postseason and television bans.

Craft had little reaction to the NCAA's decision to uphold the decision.

"I think it's old news," Craft said. "Right now, the most important thing to us is today, tomorrow and the future. We've pretty much demonstrated that and will continue to. I'm obviously disappointed, but it's old news. We've already moved on quite a while ago."