On the night that North Carolina basketball will raise their championship, they have also discovered what their sanctions are from their academic scandal.
The NCAA Infractions Committee, led by SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, has finally released its report on North Carolina’s academic scandal involving fake classes spanning almost two decades.
In compliance with the 24-hour notice rule, the university was notified yesterday morning.
3.5 years of waiting produces ... nothing. https://t.co/uHSaVaf41y
— Jeff Eisenberg (@JeffEisenberg) October 13, 2017
This was supposed to happen the week before, but school officials reportedly requested another delay because of fundraisers going on. Let’s all just hope that the money doesn’t dry up after the news comes out.
The enforcement staff had alleged several violations with the program, ranging from improper benefits to a lack of institutional control. A number of punishments were possible, including a loss of scholarships, postseason bans, to even the 2005 and 2009 Mens Basketball National Championships.
The Tar Heels are now officially off the hook, though. No punishments, no sanctions, no worries. The reaction from those not associated with North Carolina has been similar:
The NCAA has never looked more impotent than today
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) October 13, 2017
3.5 years in the making and the NCAA came up with absolutely nothing, which is just outright hilarious.
— Bobby Reagan (@BarstoolReags) October 13, 2017
UConn got a postseason ban b/c the NCAA retroactively changed their APR limit. UNC gets nothing for years of fake classes. NCAA is a joke
— Jon Scannell (@jonscannell) October 13, 2017
Greg Sankey, the chairman of the Committee, has released a statement explaining the decision:
Committee chief hearing officer Greg Sankey explains the decision further. pic.twitter.com/MjknFZnRiz
— NCAA (@NCAA) October 13, 2017
With the FBI having their investigation, it’s another weak look for the NCAA to send a message, particularly to another high-profile basketball program.