NCAA orders UK guard John Wall to sit 2 games

Oct 31, 2009 - 2:52 AM LEXINGTON, Ky.(AP) -- Kentucky point guard John Wall has been cleared to play by the NCAA.

The school announced Friday that the 6-foot-4 freshman must sit out two games and repay almost $800 in expenses incurred during unofficial visits to schools during his junior year at Word of God Christian Academy.

Wall's status had been up in the air as the NCAA investigated the relationship between Wall and Brian Clifton, his former AAU coach. Clifton was a certified agent for a period during Wall's recruitment, and the NCAA looked into whether Wall accepted any illegal benefits from Clifton during that time.

Wall will miss an exhibition game against Campbellsville on Monday and the season-opener against Morehead State on Nov. 13.

"I'm grateful to have this decision behind me," Wall said in a statement.

Wall was considered one of the top prospects in the country when he signed with the Wildcats, who are ranked fourth in the preseason Top 25. The school had been working with the NCAA for several months to clear up his status.

Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart said he was "appreciative" of the NCAA's willingness to listen while coach John Calipari added he was happy the situation had been resolved.

Wall will be able to play in Kentucky's exhibition game against Clarion on Nov. 6, and will be eligible to make his regular-season debut against Miami (Ohio) on Nov. 16.