Arizona Daily Wildcat
UA football player Richard Dice, injured for the last three games, will miss one more when he is healthy.
The wide receiver was suspended by the NCAA for one game for accepting a telephone debit card from a person involved with a California agent.
Athletic director Jim Livengood said yesterday the school would comply with the NCAA order to suspend Dice, but blamed the situation on the agent, Robert Caron.
''We're talking about an outstanding young man who was caught in an unfortunate circumstance,'' Livengood said. ''We agree with the emphasis of the suspension because of recurring problems numerous institutions have had with agents, but Richard clearly was not trying to violate any rule.''
Livengood notified the NCAA three weeks ago that Dice had accepted the debit card from a ''runner'' for Caron.
A preliminary investigation by the Pacific 10 Conference determined that Dice never used the card, and that no impropriety existed.
But the NCAA said this week its Legislative Services staff had reinterpreted the rules to make acceptance a violation.
Dice hurt his knee Oct. 10, and has missed three games.
UA coach Dick Tomey hinted that Dice would serve the suspension during a home game Nov. 11 against Oregon, but that he would be allowed to finish his junior year against Arizona State on Nov. 24.