You can add another big college program to the list of those facing recruiting violations. The University of Tennessee has decided to impose sanctions on coach Bruce Pearl and the rest of their program because the school provided false and misleading information to the NCAA during an investigation into illegal contact with recruits.
Tennessee Imposes Sanctions On Themselves After Bruce Pearl Misled NCAA Investigators
The NCAA has reportedly been investigating Tennessee for excessive phone calls and the use of unauthorized phones to contact recruits, according to Dana O’Neill and Chris Low of ESPN. During the probe, Pearl lied and misled investigators.
Athletic Director Mike Hamilton announced the penalties in a press conference today. They include the following (via Chris Littmann):
- Pearl cannot engage in off-campus recruiting for a year.
- Pearl will lose a total of $1.5 million off his contract, which is set to expire in 2015.
- Assistant coaches Steve Forbes, Tony Jones and Jason Shay will all receive a 25 percent salary reduction. They will also be barred from engaging in off-campus recruiting for one year, nine months and six months respectively.
Pearl conducted a press conference today where he was apologetic, saying he let the players and fans down. During the press conference, the fire alarm went off, and one of his players had to pull it. In response, Pearl jokingly thanked the players for “having his back.”
The NCAA may still decide to punish Tennessee further.
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