PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas–Prairie View A&M University’s department of athletics recently received the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions Report No.277 Case No.M268 imposing penalties on the PVAMU women’s basketball athletic program. PVAMU will not exercise its option to appeal the committee’s decision.
The NCAA report indicates that head women’s basketball coach and other athletic department staff did violate NCAA legislation concerning the areas of out-of-season practice and observation, extra benefits, eligibility and lack of institutional control. This report is the result of an investigation required by the NCAA of the university and then by the NCAA.
“We are pleased that the NCAA has concluded its work in this case and agree with their findings,” said PVAMU President George C. Wright. “In all aspects the report is fair. Our athletics department views this report and its findings as an opportunity for the university to improve and address its NCAA compliance requirements. We are currently working to implement corrective actions to meet and exceed the NCAA recommendations and requirements. Additionally, we are eager to move forward and continue to experience athletic success and build a program that fully reflects PVAMU’s values.”
PVAMU will accept the self-imposed penalty for its violations which includes four years of probation (Jan. 8, 2008-Jan. 7, 2012), a reduction in the number of women’s basketball scholarships for two academic years (by three from 15-12 total for each of the 2007-08 through 2009-10 academic years) and a decrease in the number of women’s basketball contact opportunities.
PVAMU’s women’s basketball team received national recognition during the 2006-07 season when it captured its first ever SWAC championship title and made its first NCAA tournament appearance in the school’s history.
In compliance with the NCAA’s report, the university will develop and implement an NCAA legislation educational program for its staff and review its policies and procedures for all of its eight men’s and ten women’s intercollegiate athletic sports programs.
