The NCAA issued an infraction report today regarding self-reported rules violations that occurred at West Virginia University between 2010 and 2013. The violations arose out of 66 telephone calls and 294 text messages that occurred over more than two and a half years (31 months). While the case in its entirety was considered a Level II infraction, there were no allegations against the University that it failed to monitor its athletics programs, nor any allegations of a lack of institutional control or failure to promote an atmosphere of compliance. 

 

In the report, the Committee on Infractions acknowledges that the University discovered the violations on its own, reported them in a timely manner to the enforcement staff, cooperated fully with the enforcement staff including conducting an extensive internal investigation, and self-imposed appropriate penalties.  Of significance, the report also points out that the bylaw which previously made text messages impermissible was repealed in large part by the NCAA in 2014. MetroNews is reporting that it occurred in 14 sports, including football. You can read their report HERE.

 

In January 2013, the compliance and recruiting software used by the University underwent an upgrade, resulting in the University seeing for the first time certain calls and text messages flagged for review as potential rules violations, but which were not previously readily visible on the program’s display. 

 

The athletic department took corrective action to address the issues, provided rules education to the involved coaches and staff, and reviewed its compliance and recruiting software to determine necessary changes. 

 

The complete NCAA report can be found on WVUsports.com.

 

Statement from WVU Director of Athletics Shane Lyons:

 

“While I am disappointed with today’s NCAA Report, I do take note that our department found the infractions, self-reported them and worked with the NCAA in full cooperation to address and correct the issues. I am confident that the department has taken the necessary steps to correct its compliance and recruiting software program, reeducate the staff on updated NCAA changes on the rules surrounding text messages and phone calls and fulfilled our obligations to the NCAA concerning the situation long before I started as athletic director back on Feb. 2.

 

“I was aware of this issue when I interviewed for the job, and it did not deter my confidence at all in West Virginia University. We are and always will be committed to the legislation policies of the NCAA. Moving forward, I expect our department to continue its strong dedication to NCAA compliance.”

 

Statement from Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director Keli Cunningham:

 

“While I am disappointed in the findings that resulted in our athletics department being responsible for a Level II infraction, it’s important to note that there was no failure to monitor, no lack of institutional control, and no failure to promote an atmosphere of compliance. There was no systemic effort by any of our coaches to violate the rules or gain a significant recruiting advantage, and that is reflected by the NCAA’s decision.

 

“We take this very seriously and we accept the NCAA’s findings. West Virginia University continues to be committed to the legislation and policies of the NCAA and the Big 12 Conference, and we will continue to work with the NCAA to fulfill our obligations during the probationary period. We are confident that the misunderstanding with the software package has been remedied and that we will be better equipped to help our coaches and staff avoid these kinds of infractions in the future.”