Grambling cleared of major infractions by NCAA

The Grambling State University Department of Athletics has been informed by the NCAA that as a result of their investigation of the institution’s football program, it was determined that five secondary violations of NCAA rules occurred between 2004 and 2006.  Additionally, it was determined that, inasmuch as the institution’s actions in this case were substantial and meaningful, no further action should be taken by the NCAA in the matter.

The violations cited by the NCAA were:

1. A coach denied a student-athlete the opportunity for a hearing regarding the cancellation of his athletically related financial aid;
2. A representative of the institution’s athletics interests inadvertently provided an impermissible extra benefit to three student-athletes;
3. Members of the football coaching staff who were not certified strength and conditioning coaches impermissibly observed and conducted football conditioning workouts during summer conditioning periods;
4. During a summer conditioning period, a graduate assistant football coach impermissibly observed and coached football student-athletes during seven-on-seven passing drills; and
5. Two football student-athletes received extra benefits from two coaches.

The actions taken by the University included:

• Reducing the number of weeks of voluntary summer conditioning workouts in the summer of 2007 and 2008 by one week (from eight to seven).
• Limiting the number of official football visits during the 2007-08 academic year from 52 to 45.
• Reducing the number of football recruiting opportunities for the fall 2007 season from 42 to 32.

Additionally, the University offered several other corrective actions including conducting regular training and educational meetings for coaches and other University personnel to ensure that they understand all applicable NCAA legislation, conducting a comprehensive review of its compliance systems, and ensuring that student-athletes are knowledgeable about the rules regarding the financial aid appeal process.

“Grambling State University is committed to running a first-rate athletic program that complies with all NCAA legislation,” said Troy Mathieu, Director of Athletics.  “As a department, we are pleased to have this investigation concluded, and we are focused on supporting our coaches and student-athletes to ensure that the 2007-2008 school year is a successful one.”