The Volunteers may not have an easy ride this time around as Tennessee is once again the subject of an NCAA investigation.
Tennessee is the subject of an investigation “of potential rules violations that is’major’ in nature,” according to Pat Forde of Sports
Illustrated.
Following a separate NCAA investigation into the football program under former head coach Jeremy Pruitt, which showed “recruiting
violations and direct cash payments to athletes,” the institution was penalized $8 million in July 2023, according to the New York
Times.
A bowl suspension was not imposed by the NCAA, citing Tennessee’s “‘exemplary’ response while cooperating with investigators.”
Forde points out that it’s unclear exactly what sports are involved in this particular instance.
“A recurrence… could have significant consequences,” Forde warned, nevertheless. Should a punishment prove insufficient to address
the program’s problems, the NCAA may choose to impose a bowl suspension as a more forceful measure.
Pete Thamel of ESPN repeated Forde’s reporting and provided information regarding Tennessee’s possible defensive approach to
refute the investigation’s conclusions.
The NCAA queried its members in August 2022 about schools that were luring recruits with “pay-for-play” tactics.
“Preserves the fact college sports are not pay-for-play,” stated Division II presidents council chair Sandra Jordan when the NCAA
announced its temporary NIL policy in June 2021.
The NCAA stated in the 2022 letter that “investigations can be challenging and the enforcement staff needs help from member
schools.”
Too many NIL setups are not done outside in the sunshine, which is why we require these supplies.The NCAA said, “Together, we can
eradicate unjust practices and promote healthy NIL possibilities.
According to Forde, rumors regarding Tennessee’s most recent probe center on the 2023 five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s
recruiting.
Stewart Mandel of The Athletic reported in March 2022
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