University of Cincinnati star forward Ruben Patterson was suspended for 14 games Tuesday by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, a penalty UC Athletic Director Bob Goin termed ''extremely harsh.''
''I expected there would be some games' suspension,'' Mr. Goin said. ''I'm not in a position to say what would have made my heart warm and fuzzy.''
Mr. Patterson was punished for receiving extra benefits in violation of NCAA rules, including use of a condominium owned by his summer employer, Bobby Carter, and having Mr. Carterco-sign a car loan.
Neither Mr. Patterson nor UC coach Bob Huggins was available to comment.
Mr. Goin said he will appeal the length of the suspension to the NCAA's five-member committee for eligibility appeals, composed of administrators at member schools.
Mr. Goin said he thinks the penalties were too severe because of conditions UC forced Mr. Patterson to meet. He was ordered to pay more than $1,400 in restitution for the extra benefits and return the 1992 Nissan Maxima he bought with the loan.
Mr. Patterson has begun making payments on an installment plan UC established for him, which is to be completed by Feb. 15.
Without a successful appeal, Mr. Patterson would not be permitted to join the Bearcats until they play at Louisville on Jan. 18.
Mr. Patterson, a senior from Cleveland, was UC's leading returning scorer and was named to Conference USA's preseason all-star team.
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