Michael L. Buckner Law Firm Weekly NCAA Compliance and Enforcement Round-Up

This week the  Michael L. Buckner Law Firm continues its weekly summary of the biggest news stories in NCAA compliance and enforcement. Below are the top stories for this past week.

Carolina faces NCAA infractions panel today

Takeaway:  The University of South Carolina will appear in front of the NCAA Committee on Infractions today after being charged in September with three major violations - for athletes  receiving impermissibly discounted rates at a Columbia hotel, two USC graduates  giving athletes and recruits improper benefits, and USC failing to monitor both  situations, which resulted in athletes receiving $55,000 of improper benefits. USC did not contest the allegations and self-imposed a reduction of football scholarships as well as three years of probation. Today, the COI will decide whether the self-imposed penalties are sufficient. A decision is expected in 6-8 weeks.

Oregon self-reports NCAA violation for Kelly-Bellotti recruiting conversation

Takeaway:  The University of Oregon’s athletic department will self-report a violation of NCAA rules (NCAA Bylaw 13.10.2) for comments made by football coach Chip Kelly to UO coach-turned-broadcaster Mike Bellotti before national signing day. Coaches are barred from commenting publicly on recruits until the recruit has submitted his or her NLI.

NCAA considers using private investigators

Takeaway: NCAA VP of Enforcement Julie Roe Lach argues the move could allow the NCAA to mobilize on enforcement investigations faster and “stay ahead of the curve.”

GSU reports 2 minor violations

Takeaway:  GSU reported two minor violations involving the football program. The first involved two coaches contacting the same recruit on the same day while the second involved a coach who mistakenly spoke to a recruit who was not yet a senior in high school. The player was a junior. Coaches aren’t allowed to contact athletes at their practice or competition site before July 1 after their junior year.

Ohio State trustees approve new office to monitor rules compliance across university

Takeaway:  OSU trustees have approved the creation of a new office responsible for monitoring compliance with rules and regulations in the wake of its football program’s NCAA infractions scandal. The office is expected to be implemented in the next 6-12 months.