ASU reacts to NCAA imposed violations
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (bamastatesports.com) – After a review of an ongoing investigation, a hearing panel of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Committee on Infractions issued a statement earlier today, which discusses its findings regarding an investigation of the University’s student-athlete bookstore purchase process and the softball program.
In its findings, the Committee on Infractions (COI) identified four distinct violations.
First, the COI determined the bookstore staff’s provision of extra benefits to 170 student-athletes during the 2011-12 academic year (when it permitted them to use book scholarships to purchase items that were not required course-related books or supplies) constituted a series of minor Level III violations (Bylaw 19.1.3). Second, the COI concluded ASU failed to monitor bookstore purchases by student-athletes and provide adequate education for bookstore staff. Third, the COI found the softball program committed a Level II violation (Bylaw 19.1.2) of NCAA legislation during the 2013-14 academic year when it (1) exceeded time limits for countable athletically-related activities (CARA) on multiple occasions; (2) failed to accurately record student-athletes’ participation in CARA; and (3) failed to apply penalties prescribed by the NCAA Committee on Academic Performance. Fourth, the COI ruled the then head softball coach committed a Level II violation when she did not satisfy her responsibility to create an atmosphere for compliance. Please note the softball violations occurred under the tenure of a previous coaching staff and a head softball coach who is no longer an ASU employee.
The NCAA adopted the institution’s self-imposed two-year probation, which will commence from the date of its release. During the probation period, the COI will monitor the culture of compliance within the program. ASU will also pay a $5,000 fine (which was self-imposed and adopted by the COI) to the NCAA.
The COI issued a one-year ‘show cause order’ against the former head softball coach as a result of the former coach’s failure to prevent the softball student-athletes from participating in CARA that exceeded daily and weekly practice hour limitations.
The University is committed to conducting its athletic program within the NCAA legislation, which helps insure that it conducts itself accordingly.
It is important to note that the University and its Athletic Department self-imposed additional penalties to resolve the case. Additionally, ASU self-reduced its practice time in the championship segment of its 2015-16 season and it will continue to develop and implement a comprehensive educational program for its coaches, administrators and student-athletes in the areas of eligibility, financial aid, practice and competition.
In addition, the ASU Office of Compliance will submit reports to the NCAA on its continued commitment and progress to this process. The ASU Compliance Office will also provide a written notice to all prospective softball student-athletes in advance of their official visit outlining the NCAA violations, penalties and prohibitions.
Please note that the ASU softball program’s scholarship allotment and ability to recruit off-campus remains unaffected. This NCAA action also does not affect the softball program’s ability to compete in the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s regular season, post season or NCAA championship games and/or competitions.
Alabama State University is committed to ensuring that all student-athletes have a positive experience during their time at the University, while complying within the NCAA’s rules and regulations. ASU wishes to thank the NCAA for its assistance during this investigation.
