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Updated: June 3, 2012 9:58PM

The decision by UCLA to award a full-ride scholarship to young football star Justin Combs — son of multimillionaire entertainment mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs — has generated a huge debate online and on the campus of the Southern California university.

While many argue the younger Combs earned the scholarship on his merits, I’ve learned there’s considerable backlash among key UCLA alumni and fund-raising honchos. During this time of tough economic challenges, many UCLA alumni who play major roles in Hollywood’s showbiz world believe that need should trump everything else.

“I know it seems unfair to Justin, but clearly he has had so many advantages in his life. … Those funds should have gone to a kid who otherwise might not be able to attend UCLA,” said a top studio executive and university alum Sunday, who also said, “Everyone I’ve spoken to is on the same page about this.”

† Diddy’s camp believes that Justin is entitled to the scholarship, and no one’s intending to give it back. That said, there also is word that Combs Sr. will be very, very generous to UCLA fund-raising efforts.

“I’ll bet he’ll end up giving the university more — over a period of time — than Justin is getting over the next four years,” said a close Combs associate.

DEJA VU? Is Charlie Sheen slipping back into his old ways — partying wildly, drinking heavily and surrounding himself with a bunch of porn stars?

That was the contention of some weekend reports the actor was laughing off, claiming he’s well in control of himself. Sheen blasted the unnamed “friends” who gossiped about him to several celebrity magazines and websites, saying, “Consider the sources.”

My own sources close to Sheen do express concern that he seems to be repeating the behavior that caused him problems in the past.

“Charlie now thinks he’s able to control himself and won’t be pushed over the edge by surrounding himself with booze, drugs and porn stars,” said a longtime Sheen associate, who did add, “so far he’s doing OK.

“I just worry, he’ll go crazy all over again — and totally lose control.”

† While spokesfolks for Sheen’s ex-wife Brooke Mueller — and her parents — insist her return to rehab was a long-planned event (as part of her ongoing recovery) and not due to relapse, others think her being around Sheen a lot lately hasn’t been healthy.

“I don’t care what anyone says,” added a second source. “Charlie has always been a trigger for Brooke’s addictions. Always has been. Always will be. I’m sorry, I just don’t think that will ever change.”

SEEN ON THE SCENE: Jay Cutler and his very pregnant fiancee Kristin Cavallari were seen happily shopping at the Division Street Farmers Market this weekend. … Cubs shortstop Starlin Castr o dined at Harry Caray’s on Kinzie, while the Sox’s Paul Kornerko was spied dining at Joe’s Stone Crab — as was (separately) the Bulls’ Rip Hamilton. … Fans of the band Buckcherry were excited to spot the guys at RA Sushi at State and Elm, while the band were here for a “Throttle Fest” gig at Toyota Park in Bridgeview. … “Biggest Loser” trainer Dolvett Quince checked out RPM Italian, Paris Club and Studio Paris while in town over the weekend.