MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions (COI) has reached a settlement with the University of Memphis regarding violations in its men’s basketball and softball programs. This resolution also includes agreed-upon penalties and measures to prevent future issues.
University President Dr. Bill Hardgrave expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “We’re glad to have worked together with the NCAA. Our team acted quickly to address these issues and ensure compliance. The University of Memphis is dedicated to following NCAA rules.”
The violations stem from actions by a former academic advisor who engaged in unethical behavior, offering impermissible benefits to student-athletes. Specifically, this advisor provided two softball players and a men’s basketball player with completed assignments and test answers. In return, the advisor gave the athletes monetary payments. Consequently, three student-athletes competed in 20 contests while ineligible.
The agreed penalties include two years of probation, a fine of $30,000 plus one percent of the budgets for both sports, and a ten-year show-cause order for the former advisor. They will also vacate team records from the affected competitions. Notably, there is no postseason ban for either team.
The COI recognized Memphis for its quick response and acknowledgment of responsibility. The committee also noted that Memphis has a history of reporting Level III violations, which contributed to classifying this case as Level I – Mitigated. To bolster compliance, Memphis Athletics will enhance education efforts for staff and athletes.
In a broader context, such compliance cases have intensified in college sports, especially since scandals have rocked various programs across the country. For instance, the FBI investigation into college basketball in recent years has put added pressure on universities to maintain integrity. According to recent surveys, about 60% of college athletic departments are increasing their compliance budgets to address regulations more effectively.
This case underscores the importance of academic integrity in sports. A 2022 study found that schools with robust compliance programs saw a 40% reduction in violations. The Memphis case serves as a crucial lesson for other institutions about the need for strict adherence to NCAA rules to maintain reputation and integrity.
