In case you missed it, the NCAA is cracking down on programs that break the rules (within its jurisdiction).
North Carolina Miami Oregon Northeastern State University is the latest to feel its wrath (NCAA.org):
Northeastern State University’s former head women’s tennis coach provided cash, academic fees, meals and other benefits to his student-athletes, according to findings by the NCAA Division II Committee on Infractions. The former head coach’s actions resulted in the committee citing him for failing to promote an atmosphere for compliance and unethical conduct.
Penalties include one year of probation, a $5,000 fine, vacation of certain women’s tennis contests and a two-year show-cause for the former head coach. During the show-cause period, if employed at an NCAA school, the former head coach must attend an NCAA Regional Rules Seminar, attend ethics training and submit monthly reports to the school’s compliance office.
This case was resolved through the summary disposition process, a cooperative effort where the involved parties collectively submit the case to the Committee on Infractions in written form. The NCAA enforcement staff, university and involved individuals must agree to the facts of the case in order for this process to be utilized instead of having a formal hearing.
For two consecutive years, the former coach provided a total of six student-athletes with $1,300 cash shortly after their arrival on campus for initial enrollment. Over the course of three fall semesters, the former head coach provided women’s tennis team members regular post-practice meals, transportation and gifts on birthdays and holidays. The former head coach also provided four student-athletes with textbooks or cash to buy textbooks. Additionally, he paid certain fees for four international student-athletes.
In other news, the NCAA took a stand against against former or current student-athletes getting their hands on any of the NCAA’s revenue stream (NCAA.org):
The NCAA has made the decision not to enter a new contract for the license of its name and logo for the EA Sports NCAA Football video game. The current contract expires in June 2014, but our timing is based on the need to provide EA notice for future planning. As a result, the NCAA Football 2014 video game will be the last to include the NCAA’s name and logo. We are confident in our legal position regarding the use of our trademarks in video games. But given the current business climate and costs of litigation, we determined participating in this game is not in the best interests of the NCAA.
The NCAA has never licensed the use of current student-athlete names, images or likenesses to EA. The NCAA has no involvement in licenses between EA and former student-athletes. Member colleges and universities license their own trademarks and other intellectual property for the video game. They will have to independently decide whether to continue those business arrangements in the future.
Boy, SEC media day, star treatment of Johnny Football sure looks “amateur,” doesn’t it? Paraded to media like Brady.pic.twitter.com/xQAxnY54dM
