The NCAA Committee on Infractions (“Committee” or “Panel”) recently issued its findings and found that the Arkansas State University (“ASU” or “Institution”) committed violations of NCAA legislation. The Panel considered this case through the cooperative summary disposition process in which all parties agreed to the primary facts and violations, as fully set forth in the summary disposition report (SDR).

The parties agreed that the former director of basketball operations provided a men’s basketball student-athlete with excessive apparel worth $5,165.00. Specifically, he provided the student-athlete with the login for a promotional apparel account, which he used to order apparel. He later arranged for the student-athlete to pick up the apparel. The parties agreed and the panel concludes the violation is Level II.

The Committee found that ASU committed the following violations of NCAA legislation:

Violations of NCAA Division I Manual Bylaws 16.11.2.1 (2014-15)

It is agreed that in July 2015, the former men’s basketball director of operations, provided the student-athlete with impermissible extra benefits in the form of excessive athletics apparel. Specifically, on or around July 4, 2015, the former director of basketball operations provided the student-athlete with the login information to the men’s basketball program’s promo account so the student-athlete could order apparel for workouts and practice. On July 10, 2015, the student-athlete ordered approximately $5,165.00 worth of apparel. Between July 10 and 17, 2015, the order was shipped to the institution to the former director of basketball operations’ attention, and placed the items in the team equipment room. On July 17, 2015, the former director of men’s basketball operations provided the student-athlete with a key to the equipment room to allow the student-athlete to retrieve the items. The student-athlete retrieved the items July 18, 2015.

Aggravating and Mitigating Factors in accordance with NCAA Bylaws 19.9.3 and 19.9.4.

Aggravating Factors for the Institution

19.9.3-(b): A history of Level I, Level II or major violations.

Aggravating Factors for the Former Director of Basketball Operations

None

Mitigating Factors for the Institution

19.9.4-(b): Prompt acknowledgement and acceptance of responsibility and imposition of meaningful corrective measures and/or penalties.

19.9.4-(b): Affirmative steps to expedite final resolution of the matter.

19.9.4-(d): An established history of self-reporting Level III or secondary violations.

19.9.4-(e): Implementation of a system of compliance methods designed to ensure rules compliance and satisfaction of institutional control standards.

Mitigating Factors for the Former Director of Basketball Operations

19.9.4-(b): Prompt acknowledgement and acceptance of responsibility and imposition of meaningful corrective measures and/or penalties.

19.9.4-(b): Affirmative steps to expedite final resolution of the matter.

As a result of the foregoing, the Committee penalized ASU as follows:

1. Public reprimand and censure.

2. A fine of $5,000.00 to be paid to the NCAA.

3. ASU shall vacate all regular season and conference tournament records and participation in which the ineligible student-athlete above competed.

For any questions, feel free to contact Christian Dennie at cdennie@bgsfirm.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .