All of these failures demonstrate an institution that failed to meet core responsibilities of Division I membership. Most egregious was FAMU's failure to address and report the violations once it became aware of them. FAMU learned it had been misapplying certification legislation in fall 2016. Despite being aware of the errors, FAMU did not report the issues to the NCAA nor did it review the certifications of current student-athletes to ensure that ineligible student-athletes were not competing. Rather, FAMU implemented measures intended to prevent future violations (additional rules education campus-wide, upgraded computer systems and enhanced procedures). In effect, FAMU turned a blind eye on the past in hopes for a better future. These failures violated core requirements under Constitution 2 and 6.
This is not a new story for FAMU. Cumulatively, these systemic problems have plagued FAMU for roughly 20 years. The panel recognizes the significant turnover, including the fact that, in some capacity, seven individuals have served as the director of athletics and eight individuals have served as the primary compliance officer since 2010. Although those individuals have changed, the core requirements of Division I membership have not. On three different occasions since 2006, FAMU has demonstrated an inability to meet these fundamental obligations. On the heels of a twenty-year history of certification and monitoring and control violations, FAMU's recent cases have served as a focal point for FAMU's current leadership in making the necessary changes to implement core compliance policies and procedures and carry out fundamental compliance obligations. The panel is hopeful that FAMU's current institutional leaders remain steadfast in their commitment to a culture of NCAA compliance.
