NCAA denies appeals by Burney, Williams

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) - The NCAA has denied an appeal to shorten suspensions for North Carolina cornerback Kendric Burney and safety Deunta (dee-AHN'-tay) Williams.

Burney was suspended six games and Williams four for receiving improper benefits connected to several trips, including to California to visit a former North Carolina player. Burney also had trips to Atlanta and Las Vegas linked to former college player Chris Hawkins, whom the NCAA has said qualifies as an agent.

The school made its appeal Friday.

Spokesman Steve Kirschner also says an NCAA investigator returned to campus Wednesday and Thursday to participate in the school-led investigation into possible academic violations. Most of those cases are being handled by the student judicial system.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) _ The NCAA returned to North Carolina's campus this week to take part in the school-led investigation into possible academic violations.

School spokesman Steve Kirschner said Friday an investigator returned to campus Wednesday and Thursday. The student judicial system is handling most of the academic issues, though athletic director Dick Baddour has said some involve both the school and NCAA.

The NCAA is also hearing the school's appeal Friday of the length of suspensions for cornerback Kendric Burney and safety Deunta (dee-AHN'-tay) Williams. Burney was suspended six games while Williams was suspended four connected to several trips.

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