Memphis, TN – The NCAA has found the University of Memphis in violation of academic integrity rules related to its men’s basketball and softball programs. On July 16, the NCAA announced that the university collaborated with the Committee on Infractions to reach a resolution for issues that arose during the 2023-24 season.
As a result of the violations, Memphis will have its probation extended for another two years, lasting until 2027. This comes as the school was already serving probation due to earlier infractions. The men’s basketball team will have to vacate three wins from its record, specifically the victories against Wichita State, Temple, and Tulane, which occurred between January 25 and February 18. Meanwhile, the softball program doesn’t need to vacate any wins, as they did not secure any victories during that timeframe.
The university will also face a $30,000 fine plus an additional fee of 1% of its combined budgets for the men’s basketball and softball programs. The violations center around former basketball player Malcolm Dandridge and softball players Ally Callahan and Aaliyah Dixon. An academic advisor, Leslie Brooks, also played a significant role in the situation. In February 2024, Brooks was fired after her involvement was revealed, and she has since received a 10-year show-cause penalty.
The NCAA’s findings indicate that Brooks arranged payments for Callahan and Dixon to complete assignments and take tests for Dandridge, which he then submitted as his own work. For example, records show Brooks paid either Callahan or Dixon $150 for an assignment in an Intro to Theatre course, and $400 for three tests in Health/Sport Terminology.
Callahan and Dixon initially agreed to participate in this arrangement but later became hesitant, particularly as they felt Brooks did not properly compensate them for their efforts. Callahan played in four games before the university commenced its investigation, while Dixon took part in nine games but missed many after Brooks was dismissed.
Brooks claimed she acted out of sympathy for Dandridge, indicating that he required academic assistance. Following an internal investigation, she chose not to participate in an interview requested by the NCAA. Meanwhile, Dandridge only made a brief public comment regarding the situation after Memphis’s season concluded, expressing frustration over his eligibility status.
This is not the first time Memphis has faced NCAA scrutiny during the coaching era of Penny Hardaway. The university previously dealt with a series of infractions tied to the eligibility of former player James Wiseman and subsequent issues involving recruitment practices, resulting in several levels of violations and an extension of probation.
The ongoing compliance efforts reflect the university’s commitment to following NCAA rules, as emphasized by Memphis president Bill Hardgrave in a recent statement. The outcome of this situation serves as a reminder of the importance of academic integrity in college sports.
