Charges dropped in point-shaving case against Toledo player

4/18/2007 7:46 PM

DETROIT (AP) - A federal judge granted a government request and dropped bribery charges Wednesday against a University of Toledo running back accused of participating in a point-shaving scheme.

The U.S. attorney's office said the investigation of Harvey McDougle Jr. continues and he may be charged again later. Prosecutors were running up against a 30-day deadline to proceed against McDougle.

``This is just a procedural matter,'' said Gina Balaya, spokeswoman for U.S. Attorney Stephen Murphy III. ``The investigation continues.''

According to an FBI affidavit, McDougle, 22, a senior from East Cleveland, Ohio, accepted cash, a car, a phone and other merchandise from a Michigan gambler in return for recruiting players to affect the outcome of Rockets football and basketball games.

The gambler has not been charged.

Messages seeking comment were left Wednesday evening for McDougle's defense lawyer James Burdick.

``I hope this could be the end of the line on criminal charges for Mr. McDougle, but I'm not holding my breath,'' Burdick told the Detroit Free Press for a story posted on its Web site.

McDougle told FBI investigators he received items of value but never changed the way he played to affect the outcome of games, according to a criminal complaint. The complaint does not say whether other players' actions changed game outcomes.

McDougle was suspended from the team but allowed to attend classes.

The charge carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.