Memphis, Tennessee – The NCAA recently announced penalties for both the Memphis men’s basketball and softball teams due to violations related to academic integrity. This decision comes after an internal investigation revealed that two softball players received payment from a former academic advisor to assist a basketball player with his classwork.
The investigation found that Leslie Brooks, the academic advisor in question, had paid a total of $550 to the softball players. One player was given $150 for completing three assignments for the basketball player, while another received $400 for providing answers to five tests and four quizzes, in addition to answers for two more tests and one quiz directly to the basketball player.
As a result of these violations, all three athletes competed in a total of 20 games while they were deemed ineligible. The NCAA has placed both programs on a strict two-year probation and imposed a fine of $30,000, in addition to 1% of their combined budget. Fortunately for the teams, this probation does not prevent them from participating in postseason competitions.
In the NCAA’s statement, it was clarified that the violations stemmed from Brooks asking the two softball student-athletes for help with the basketball player’s coursework, promising payment for their assistance.
Moreover, the NCAA has decided to vacate the records of the 20 games in which the ineligible players participated. The penalties didn’t stop there; Brooks received a more severe sentence with a 10-year show-cause penalty, the toughest punishment directed at anyone involved in this incident.
This case highlights the importance of academic integrity within college athletics, as well as the consequences that can arise when those principles are compromised.
