Coach Puts IU's Basketball Team in Jeopardy

NCAA infractions on top of past violations may spell serious trouble for Sampson

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 14, 2008 4:32 AM CST

Copied

Coach Puts IU's Basketball Team in Jeopardy — Indiana coach Kelvin Sampson walks onto the court before the start of a college basketball game against Wisconsin in Bloomington, Ind., Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008. The Hoosiers lost the game, but they may lose much more if the NCAA can back up its accusations that Sampson blatantly disregarded their rules.... (Associated Press)

The future of Indiana University's basketball team could be at stake this spring, as coach Kelvin Sampson's alleged infractions of NCAA rules may be catching up with him. The NCAA alleges that the coach, who left Oklahoma after four violations, kept making recruiting calls despite being ordered not to. Sampson may also have lied to NCAA investigators, reports the Indianapolis Star.

Now the NCAA wants the university to show that it had adequately punished Sampson for his continued infractions. If the organization determines that "major" violations have taken place, consequences could include restrictions on recruiting and scholarships, and even post-season ineligibility. For the moment, the school is standing by its coach, but if Sampson is found guilty IU could terminate his $7.3 million contract. (More NCAA stories.)

Report an error