NCAA officials confirmed Monday that University of...

NCAA officials confirmed Monday that University of Kentucky officials have invited an investigation into allegations of rule violations in the school’s basketball program.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reported Sunday that 26 of 33 former Kentucky players interviewed said they participated in improper activities, which include receiving cash payments of up to $500 from boosters, the selling of free season tickets for $1,000 each or more and receiving excessive payments for public appearances.

Several of the players Monday denied the newspaper’s report, saying they had been quoted out of context.

Sam Bowie, a former Kentucky star now playing for the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, denied the newspaper report quoting him as saying he received cash payments of up to $500 from boosters. Several other players made similar denials Monday.