The case of Nebraska’s questionable baseball bats — which cries for a label of “Scheelsgate” for the secrecy surrounding the university’s handling of the gaffe committed by four Huskers at a local sporting goods store in early June — isn’t nearly as funny now to Mike Anderson as the George Brett pine tar incident of 1983.

That’s because unlike 24 years ago, when Brett had a game-winning home run against the New York Yankees temporarily nullified, the Huskers’ coach knows he’s got no appeal to try and get back some key swings of a couple players to start the 2008 season.

Then, there’s the embarrassment Anderson must feel for having his players exchange school-issued bats for credit at the Lincoln Scheels before someone at the store blew the whistle shortly after the transactions occurred and forced him to intercede.

On Friday, NU announced the NCAA had responded to its report that secondary violations had been committed, and agreed with its recommendation that senior outfielder Andy Gerch and senior infielder Craig Corriston be held out of action as penalty for their participation.

Gerch, who’s rehabilitating from major shoulder surgery, cannot play in the first 12 games scheduled, while Corriston will sit out the first six. Another player, catcher Jeff Lanning, also got hit with a six-game penalty, but he’s transferred to the University of New Orleans.

The last participant in the Scheels fiasco, designated hitter Jeff Tezak, escaped penalty because the improper benefit he received was worth less than $100. According to NU assistant athletic director for compliance Gary Bargen, the number of games recommended for each player to miss was based on the value of the benefit received.

Anderson, who endured a 2007 season in which he suspended at least four players for alcohol-related incidents and dismissed two from the squad, has maintained a no-comment stance throughout the investigation. He broke his silence on Friday, but only in a statement issued through the school.

“I’m very disappointed that these secondary violations occurred,” Anderson said. “This is not indicative of Nebraska athletics. Now that we have the findings from the NCAA, I will consider whether further discipline is appropriate.“

The Journal Star had previously reported details of the investigation after the school acknowledged on Aug. 10 that it was investigating possible violations. Two sources with ties to the program had named one other Husker, senior catcher Mitch Abeita, as being involved. He was not mentioned by the school Friday.

When contacted on Aug. 11, Gerch expressed regret for what had transpired.

“It happened. In no way, shape or form did I ever mean to make anybody look bad or do anything wrong,” he said. “I apologize to Coach Anderson and all the fans.“

Reach Curt McKeever at 473-7441 or cmckeever@journalstar.com.