Iowa State G Staiger must sit out season

Nov 28, 2007 - 3:20 PM INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) - Iowa State freshman Lucca Staiger must wait until next year to begin his college career.

The NCAA on Tuesday announced that the German guard's eligibility has been restored but that he must sit out the 2007-08 season for violating the organizations strict rules regarding amateurism.

The decision came after the NCAA ruled that the club Staiger played for in Germany, Ehingen, was a professional team because two players received payments beyond their expenses. Staiger has insisted he did not personally receive any additional payments.

"While we realize Mr. Staiger may be disappointed in this decision, he still has the opportunity to pursue his dream of obtaining a college education in America, and he can still practice with the team and receive his full scholarship as he fulfills his conditions of reinstatement," said Kevin Lennon, NCAA vice-president for membership services.

"In addition, he will still be able to play for three full seasons following this academic year."

Iowa State had appealed the decision because Staiger was not personally compensated for playing. The Cyclones have the option of appealing Tuesday's ruling.

Staiger, 19, is considered a top prospect. The 6-5 guard has been a German junior international for four seasons and was a member of the German national team that competed at the 2006 FIBA U20 European Championship in the summer.