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NCAA hits Missouri with postseason ban for academic scandal
Published:
The University of Missouri Athletic Department has been hit with significant sanctions following an academic scandal that involved a former tutor completing coursework for student-athletes.
On Thursday, the NCAA levied a postseason ban for Missouri’s softball, baseball and football programs. the softball and baseball teams will not be able to participate in any postseason events this season and football team won’t be able to play in a bowl game following the 2019 campaign.
Sanctions also include three years of probation, a five percent reduction in scholarship for the three athletic programs mentioned and recruiting restrictions for the 2019-20 academic year. There is also a $5,000 fine plus one percent of the softball, baseball and football budgets, according to the NCAA.
Per the NCAA’s investigation, a former Missouri tutor completed coursework for student-athletes on the softball, baseball and football teams, violating NCAA ethical conduct, academic misconduct and academic extra benefits rules. The tutor helped complete coursework for 12 student-athletes.
From the NCAA website:
In its decision, the committee stated, “Simply put, 12 student-athletes did not complete their own work.” It continued that the tutor engaged in the activity despite receiving extensive and comprehensive education on appropriate tutoring practices.
For most of the student-athletes, the tutor completed online coursework that included assignments, quizzes or exams. She completed an entire course for one student-athlete and completed portions of a placement exam for two student-athletes.
According to the report, the tutor felt pressured to ensure that student-athletes passed their courses and completed their work. However, the report probe did not find that the tutor was directed or instructed to complete the work for the students.
For the full list of sanctions handed down, you can visit the NCAA’s website.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB