Now that the NCAA's proclamation on the future of Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football (and basketball!) is out there, the school has issued a statement on its website in response. Remember, the school isn't being hit for the reception of a few T-shirts by a former player -- it's being hit because it allegedly played that player despite the NCAA's warning and because it allegedly interfered with a follow-up NCAA investigation.
And all that digging turned up a few lesser violations in the basketball program, which spruced up the whole punishment package. All total, Tech will have to drop its 2009 ACC trophy, go on four years of probation, pay $100,000 in fines and withstand a few college basketball recruiting setbacks.
Here's what Tech had to say Thursday afternoon:
The National College Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Committee on Infractions has found the Georgia Institute of Technology men's basketball and football programs have committed violations of NCAA regulations.
The Institute was cited for a lack of cooperation during the investigation, a failure to meet the conditions and obligations of membership and preferential treatment violations. There were additional violations in the men's basketball program related to rules stemming from a nonscholastic basketball tournament conducted on the Institute's campus, which the public report further details.
"Georgia Tech is committed to the integrity of its athletics program, including full cooperation and support of the NCAA," said Georgia Tech President G.P. "Bud" Peterson. "Given the information we had at the time, I believe we took reasonable and appropriate steps to determine the proper course of action and acted in good faith. Looking back, there are things we could have done differently. Because of our unwavering commitment to NCAA compliance, we have already taken a number of steps to address perceived shortcomings, hopefully ensuring that our programs remain beyond reproach."
After being notified of the allegations in November 2009, Georgia Tech conducted its own internal investigation, forming a committee made up of faculty, staff and external counsel that made recommendations based on available information and the internal investigation findings.
As a result of this exhaustive review process and because of Georgia Tech's steadfast commitment to compliance, the Institute completely revamped and enhanced its athletic compliance operation and staffing. Changes include a greater investment in experienced staff, training and awareness among staff and student athletes.
Penalties include:
- Public reprimand and censure.
- Four years of probation from July 14, 2011, through July 13, 2015. The report further details this probation.
- A $100,000 financial penalty.
- A reduction of two men's basketball recruiting days during the 2011 summer evaluation period (self-imposed by the Institute).
- A limit to 10 official visits for men's basketball for the 2011-12 and 2012-2013 academic years.
- A vacation of all contests won by the football team during the 2009 season after November 24, which is when the university was alerted to the potential eligibility issues.
The Institute is considering options including whether to appeal the NCAA decision.
"I want to reemphasize Georgia Tech's unwavering commitment to compliance and our commitment to the conditions and obligations of membership of the NCAA," said Peterson.
Not appealing the decision would be a pretty rare move. Seems to be the pretty standard course of events.
For more Georgia Tech sports, head to From The Rumble Seat. For more college football, visit SB Nation NCAA Football.