"Let me say personally that it is wrong for NCAA member institutions to participate in tournaments conducted in gambling casinos," Dempsey said. "This is the very environment we have been working so hard with Congress to change -- the legal wagering on college sports in Nevada. I have heard from the members of Congress with whom we have been working on this legislation about their frustration and anger with this situation. I agree with them. We have work to do within our own organization to assure that our commitment to opposing legalized college sports wagering is considered seriously.

"The NCAA Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct Committee has already urged changes in the criteria, and I will carry that message to the Division I Board of Directors. I am also directing the NCAA staff to prepare specific language for the NCAA governing bodies that will prohibit certification for next year."

The Update Version 5.0 of the NCAA Compliance Assistant software program was released July 27 on NCAA Online and an e-mail notification was sent to more than 900 individuals who have received previous versions of the program. The update version contains legislative changes effective for the 2001-02 academic year and general enhancements to the Compliance Assistant. A new user guide also is available on the NCAA Web site.