Oklahoma Basketball Hit with Three Years Probation by NCAA

Oklahoma Basketball Hit with Three Years Probation by NCAA
John Nestor

Norman, OK

Oklahoma's men's basketball program was given three years probation and fined $15,000 by the NCAA for committing major violations while the program was already on probation.

The Sooners also must vacate 13 wins from OU's 2009-2010 season while losing a scholarship and having recruiting days reduced.

The Sooners reported former assistant coach Oronde Taliaferro broke NCAA rules by failing to report that a player had received impermissible benefits, and then lied to NCAA investigators.

Taliaferro's violations occurred while Oklahoma was on probation for major rules violations committed by former head coach Kelvin Sampson.

"University of Oklahoma officials fully understand that however rules violations may occur, the NCAA requires institutional accountability," the school said in a statement. "As such, even in cases like this - where the violation is isolated to the actions of one former student-athlete and the failure of a former assistant basketball coach to disclose his knowledge of the violation - the NCAA imposes penalties upon the institution in addition to the individuals."

The NCAA bylaws state that a "repeat violator" can face a minimum of having the violating sport dropped for one or two seasons. Oklahoma now falls in the repeat violator category.

"In recognition of this institutional landscape, the university previously self-imposed penalties in this case and now accepts the decision by the Committee on Infractions," the school said. "Importantly, this case did not involve any inappropriate action by the university or its staff, other than the cited assistant coach.

"The case did not constitute lack of institutional control or failure to monitor. The University of Oklahoma has had and continues to have personnel and systems in place to promote and support an atmosphere of NCAA rules compliance within our institution. The University of Oklahoma will implement the Committee's final determinations and appreciates the NCAA's assistance in bringing this matter to a close."