Llopis, however, did not sign a contract with F.C. Barcelona to play basketball, nor did he take an agent, two actions that would have clearly shown intent to play professionally, Harvard contends.

"That's true, but his professional status for two years is what the committee ruled against," Justus said.

The NCAA believes that because the violations occurred over a prolonged two-year period, Llopis did not intend to remain an amateur.

Llopis insists his intentions were to remain an amateur all along.

"I did everything I could to remain an amateur," Llopis said. "They have rules that are supposed to be standard but I don't think they apply to me."

Llopis especially took offense at insinuations that he was not a serious student in Barcelona.

"I could have gone to LSU but the fact that I'm at Harvard shows I'm hereto study."