Previous information

Sept. 30, 2021

The University of Louisville has received an amendment to our May 4, 2020 Notice of Allegations from the NCAA. Once thoroughly reviewed, we will respond in the best interests of the University of Louisville and the Louisville Cardinals Men’s Basketball program. Further information on the IARP process may be found here.

The University does not determine the dates or the timeline of the IARP process. Realistically, we are preparing for this process to continue through Spring of 2022.

 

Previous Announcements

Feb. 19, 2021

The NCAA has granted the University of Louisville’s request to resolve its case regarding alleged violations in the men’s basketball program through the Independent Accountability Resolution Process. The university looks forward to the fair resolution of this matter.

 

Dec. 18, 2020

On Dec. 15, the University of Louisville requested referral of its case regarding alleged violations in the men’s basketball program to the Independent Accountability Resolution Process. This is the latest step in the ongoing NCAA enforcement matter. The university expects to receive a decision from the Infractions Referral Committee and ultimately looks forward to the fair resolution of this case.

Independent Accountability Resolution Process Referral Petition

Louisville Referral Request Exhibits (redacted)

Letter to Jeffrey Benz Regarding Louisville Referral


Dec. 7, 2020: University of Louisville statement regarding the NCAA’s response

On Dec. 1, the University of Louisville received the NCAA enforcement staff’s response to the institution’s response to the Notice of Allegations issued in May 2020 regarding alleged violations in the men’s basketball program. The enforcement staff’s response is the latest step in the ongoing NCAA enforcement matter. The university stands firm in its position that the majority of the allegations are not supported by the facts or by NCAA bylaws. Since the federal indictments were announced in September 2017, UofL has implemented extensive corrective measures throughout its athletic department and promotes a culture of compliance. The university looks forward to the fair resolution of this matter.

The NCAA response that the University of Louisville received on Dec. 1, 2020 can be viewed here


May 04, 2020

Today, the University of Louisville received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA regarding the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 men’s basketball program. The issuance of the Notice comes after a nearly two-year long investigation by the NCAA enforcement staff into several college men’s basketball programs, all stemming from a Department of Justice investigation.

The allegations issued against the Louisville men’s basketball program include:

  • A Level I allegation that an improper recruiting offer, and subsequent extra benefits to the family of an enrolled student athlete; and a recruiting inducement to a prospective student-athlete’s non-scholastic coach/trainer, were provided by certain individuals, purportedly identified and defined by the NCAA as “representatives of the university’s athletics interests,” none of whom had traditional connections to the University beyond their affiliation with Adidas or professional athlete management entities, as well as by a former assistant coach and a former associate head coach;
  • A Level II allegation of recruiting violations by the same two former men’s basketball coaching staff members in providing impermissible transportation and having impermissible contact in the context of recruitment-related activities;
  • A Level II allegation that the institution failed to adequately monitor the recruitment of an incoming, high-profile student-athlete;
  • A Level II allegation that the former head men’s basketball coach did not satisfy his head coach responsibility when he failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance;

It is important to remember that these are allegations—not facts—and the University will diligently prepare a full and comprehensive response and, absent an unforeseen development, submit it within the prescribed ninety-day period. For those allegations that are proven to be factual, the University will take responsibility, as accountability is one of our core Cardinal Principles. However, we will not hesitate to push back where the evidence does not support the NCAA’s interpretations or allegations of charges. UofL has a right and a responsibility to stand up for itself when faced with unfair or unfounded charges and will always act in the best interests of the institution. Our legal team has begun the process of reviewing the Notice and will prepare a thorough response on behalf of the University.

Over the last two-and-a-half years, we are proud of how the University of Louisville has worked hard to transform itself into a model of compliance and ethical conduct and has not shied away from difficult decisions, going well-beyond reforms at any other involved institution.

  • The University changed its leadership on campus, in athletics and in the men’s basketball program, as part of a series of personnel, systematic and cultural changes.
  • Athletics Compliance now reports outside of athletics directly to the Vice President for Risk Management, Audit and Compliance.
  • All counsel for Athletics now reports directly through the office of the University’s General Counsel.
  • The University completely revised the Head Coach contract language regarding NCAA compliance expectations, particularly as it relates to Head Coach responsibility.
  • The Department of Athletics enhanced rules education and compliance monitoring for all staff.
  • Compliance staff provided in-person rules education to the University Board of Trustees and to the ULAA Board.
  • Compliance staff provided in-person rules education to the President’s Leadership Team and to other key University offices.
  • The Department of Athletics began an ethical leadership series required for all athletics staff.
  • The University placed a renewed emphasis on the faculty-led Committee on Academic Performance.
  • The University remains committed to complete and transparent reform.
  • None of the men’s basketball staff members involved in the allegations remain at the University.
  • Neither of the involved men’s basketball prospects referenced in the allegations ever represented UofL in competition.

The University of Louisville will always be guided by our Cardinal Principles and we must keep them front and center when confronting challenges. We will not allow others to define us, as those of us who are a part of this amazing institution know the greatness of the University of Louisville.

Go Cards!

Neeli Bendapudi, President
Vincent Tyra, Director of Athletics