New NCAA enforcement structure to be tested with LSU investigations

The NCAA enforcement structure and process have changed. Current investigations into LSU football and basketball will measure the NCAA’s reforms.

Why you may ask, should anyone believe NCAA enforcement changes will affect stronger punishments for rules violators? Or, why should Alabama fans pay any attention to what LSU may or may not have done? Or, you may conclude cheating in college sports is so widespread it will never be curbed.

There are those who retain a perhaps naive expectation that rules-breaking cannot be accepted as the norm. Collegiate competition must not be overwhelmed by the corrosive effects of bribery and pay-for-play schemes.

The background on this issue begins with years of dwindling confidence in NCAA enforcement. In April 2018, the Rice Commission on college basketball proposed considerable changes in NCAA compliance. It also did not mince words.

"“the consensus view — including within the NCAA — is that the NCAA investigative and enforcement process is broken.”"

The NCAA had to choose to reform or admit the institution could not properly oversee its members. It decided to reform.

Following the Commission’s suggestions, the NCAA enforcement division has new teeth. The NCAA is now able and willing to augment its investigation staff with outside professional investigators. The Enforcement Division can now also use court testimony as evidence. Some suggest the change pushes the NCAA closer to having subpoena power.

The amended enforcement rules do not only apply to basketball. They are the same for football.

Also in 2018, the NCAA added a rule requiring head coaches to be accountable for the improper actions of their assistants.

"NCAA Bylaw 11.1.1, “Head Coach Responsibility,” imposes a presumption of head coach accountability for impermissible acts committed by assistant coaches and administrators within their program."

The NCAA is yet to punish a head coach under the rule. The first use could take place within the next year. Simply stated, the old phrase of ‘plausible deniability’ is no longer a defense for head coaches.

If the NCAA is looking for an opportunity to showcase its new powers, it appears some of the schools frequently named in the FBI investigations of college basketball are most vulnerable.

It is already known the NCAA is investigating Kansas and LSU. Football and basketball are involved at both schools. LSU has received more of the headlines. Wiretaps of Will Wade talking about  ‘strong’ offers to prospective players may be all the evidence the NCAA needs to punish Wade and the school.

More recently, it has been alleged an LSU booster used misappropriated funds from a foundation to pay the father of a former LSU player. That player, Vadal Alexander played for the Bengal Tigers from 2012-2015. It has been reported the NCAA has an ongoing investigation into the LSU football and basketball programs.

In recent years some coaches and administrators have acted as though the rewards for cheating are great enough, the small risks of punishment are minimal enough to be ignored. Some college basketball coaches are imploring the NCAA to impose strong punishments on violators.

If the NCAA heeds those coach calls for action, the results may be first seen in Baton Rouge. How soon might the NCAA act? New announcements of allegations are expected before the end of July.