Related Links: Forum: Is Barkley making the right decision?
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Barkley, whose sophomore season was marred by two suspensions for NCAA violations, met with family members and advisers as he made his decision.

"I love St. John's," Barkley said in a statement released by the university. "I've had a great experience here and, despite the difficulties of the past year, will take many positive memories with me."

St. John's coach Mike Jarvis was supposed to attend the meeting, but was at home in Washington, D.C., planning his daughter's wedding.

"Over the course of the past year, Erick and I have spoken on numerous occasions about his future including life after basketball," Jarvis said. "I am in support of his decision. I feel he is ready to play in the NBA."

Earlier this week, Barkley reportedly brought an agent, Andy Miller, to a meeting with Jarvis to discuss his plans. Miller said he was serving as an adviser to Barkley, which is not against NCAA rules, but the meeting could raise questions with the organization.

The New York Post reported Saturday that Barkley's involvement with agents could lead the school to probation. The newspaper quoted unidentified sources saying that Barkley received numerous improper benefits from agents, including cash, dates with models, introductions to NBA stars and financial dealings with rap stars.

Barkley and St. John's have been hounded by the NCAA all season, with the team's leading scorer most recently meeting with investigators March 13, three days before the opening game in the NCAA Tournament.

St. John's won that game against Northern Arizona before being eliminated by Gonzaga last Saturday.

"This young man has persevered and endured the rigors of a long season and that experience has made him stronger as a person," Jarvis said.

Barkley first ran into trouble in February when he was suspended for three games for exchanging vehicles with a family friend. After an appeal, that punishment was reduced to two games.

On Feb. 29, St. John's was forced to declare Barkley ineligible, and he missed that night's victory over Seton Hall. The NCAA requested further information regarding payment of part of Barkley's tuition at Maine Central Institute for the 1997-98 academic year.

He was reinstated March 3, but the NCAA ruled he would have to pay back $3,500 of his $22,000 tuition, which St. John's said Barkley received from Riverside Church, a New York AAU program for which he played. He can donate the money to a charity of his choice, and has until his eligibility expires to do so.

St. John's guard Erick Barkley met with NCAA investigators days before the Big Dance began.(AP)

In the Big East tournament semifinals, Barkley got into a halftime confrontation with teammate Bootsy Thornton and announced after the game he would take a leave of absence from the team. Barkley changed his mind the next day and was picked to the all-tournament team after helping the Red Storm beat Connecticut 80-70.

Barkley has also been questioned about an SAT test he took as a student at Maine Central Institute.

St. John's went 53-17 and made two NCAA tournament appearances in Barkley's two seasons. Barkley, an All-Big East First Team selection, averaged 16 points, 4.5 assists and 3.0 steals to lead the Red Storm this season.

"He has followed in the rich tradition of our basketball program as one of the best point guards to ever don a St. John's jersey," athletic director Ed Manetta said. "He will truly be missed."

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