TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — The University of Alabama plans to appeal a ruling by the NCAA Committee on Infractions that forced the football program to vacate 21 wins.

University President Robert Witt, who announced the decision on Wednesday, said the penalties were excessive.

Alabama’s football program and 15 other sports were placed on three years probation after 201 athletes were found to have used their scholarships to get free textbooks or other materials they weren’t entitled to, including 22 who obtained more than $100 in supplies for other students. The NCAA labeled those 22 ‘‘intentional wrongdoers.’’