The Rattlers will see numerous programs affected over the next two years.
Hard hitting news from the world of HBCU athletics as it was announced that Florida A&M University has been hit with penalties stemming from NCAA infractions.
According to the press release, from 2010-2011 through 2016-2017, multiple errors resulted in student athletes being allowed to participate in sports programs when they weren’t eligible to do so. But these errors were administrative and not unethical.
As a result of the NCAA’s findings, FAMU has self-imposed penalties across the athletic department. This includes:
Post-season bans for the 2019-2020 academic year for these programs: football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, volleyball and men’s indoor and outdoor track & field. They will also have scholarship reductions in 2019-2020 and recruiting restrictions for 2019-2020 and 2020-2021.
The athletics department will be on probation for five years through November 2024 and teams that had ineligible student athlete participation compete for them with have their records between 2010-2017 vacated.
“While we cannot change the circumstances of the past, we have accepted full responsibility for the infractions and are committed to running an athletic program that is in full compliance with NCAA rules and regulation,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. in the release. “Rest assured, we have taken significant steps to address these issues and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. We will meet and exceed the NCAA’s expectations to ensure that FAMU Athletics remains in compliance with its standards.”
FAMU has worked over the last 18 months to address these issues, and while they will definitely be a blow to the university, programs and athletes, the school has taken it seriously and has worked to resolve the issues and to ensure they aren’t repeated.
“It’s a new day in FAMU Athletics. We are certain that with all we are doing and the commitment of Athletics and the University, we are continuing to build a program that Rattlers and supporters will be proud of. We look forward to your continued support of your favorite athletics program and believe there is a bright future ahead for FAMU Athletics,” said FAMU Director of Athletics John Eason, Ph.D.
