UCF Gets Post-Season Bans In Two Sports For A Year

((HT: WESH-TV))

The NCAA piled on to Central Florida's self-imposed penalties after major recruiting violations were discovered in both their basketball and football programs.

The NCAA added one-year postseason bans for both men's basketball and football in addition to the $50,000 fine, adding two more years to UCF's proposed three years' probation, reduction of basketball scholarships, vacating three years worth of basketball victories and less days allowed for football recruiting.

UCF conducted its own investigation into the allegations of former AD Keith Tribble, former assistant football coach David Kelly, and head men's basketball coach Donnie Jones. Tribble and Kelly were cited for unethical conduct by the NCAA and eventually resigned. Jones served a three-game suspension during the season and was given a "failure to monitor compliance" charge by the NCAA. Tribble was also given a three year show cause penalty as well.

Here's an interview Tribble did for UCFTV a few years back describing his excitement for leading the program...


The punishments come from an investigation that found the programs were involved with runners for sports agents and made cash payments to recruits. As an example, Recruiter Kim Cadwell was also accused of making deposits into students bank accounts, paying tuition and providing laptops to athletes.

Head football coach George O'Leary received no punishments...

The HQ rubs its collective chin over that one... but isn't fully surprised at the insular behavior exhibited...

"My same message to the coaches and the players is that you know we do things by the rule book. Recruiting is a business but there is a correct way to do something," said football coach George O'Leary.

Conference USA has also told UCF that they cannot participate in the post-season tournament for basketball and the championship game in football. Since they're moving to the Big East Conference for the 2013-2014 season, this is the last activity the school is involved in in Conference USA...

More when we know more...

UCF AD resigns, school receives Notice of Allegations

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((ht: orlandosentinel.com))

Whooops. There is another scandal going on out there that needs to be reported on. We told earlier this year about a potential investigation at UCF in Orlando involving their recruiting ties to one Ken Caldwell.

You can read about that RIGHT HERE

Well, the school has now been delivered a 16-page notice of allegations and it has cost Athletic Director Keith Tribble his job. Those same allegations will cost basketball coach Donnie Jones for 3-games with pay and UCF Football wide receivers coach David Kelly was also let go.

Read about the turmoil at UCF from the Orlando Sentinel RIGHT HERE

This all stems from an investigation into the school's basketball and football recruiting. And yes, this is not good.

The supposition is the school demanded these actions to help appease the NCAA and show they are in "Institutional Control". That phrase is the one thing school presidents don't want to hear.

We will add that Tribble apparently among other-things, provided false and misleading information to the institution and enforcement staff--(He lied).

According to the Sentinel, a date has yet to be given for the school to respond to these charges. Until that response and hearing is given, a full-punishment won't be doled out.

--Note-- UCF is also allegedly going to accept an invitation to join the Big East this week. Though they are running out of time, if in fact that is the timetable. According to the paper, the Big East is aware of the investigation.

Yes, this is a serious story, but couldn't resist the whole "Trouble with Tribbles" thing:



The HQ noticed that none of this is in regard to the ongoing Ereck Plancher civil case. We can only figure that the NCAA beat Central Florida's president to the punch before Tribble and other football staffers will get sent packing when that case is done.

Here is the Letter Of Inquiry and here is the Notice of Allegations, thanks to our friends at WFTV-TV in Orlando