Caltech, of all teams, faces major NCAA sanctions

At a time when agents fund AAU programs, boosters bribe top recruits and shoe-apparel companies hire parents of elite prospects as consultants, it's nice to know the NCAA has its priorities in order.

On Thursday, it put Caltech in its crosshairs.

The academic-oriented Division III school received a public reprimand, three years of probation and a 2012-13 postseason ban in men's basketball and 11 other sports for using 30 ineligible student-athletes the past four years.

At issue is Caltech's unique academic policy allowing students to shop for courses during a three-week period each quarter