NCAA/IARP Release Final Basketball Investigation Decision

Dear NC State community,

Earlier today NC State received a final decision regarding the NCAA’s investigation into alleged violations in our men’s basketball program in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons. All allegations were tied to coaches who have not worked at NC State since before this case began.

Throughout this review, NC State promised accountability where appropriate and vigorous defense where necessary, and that is exactly what we’ve delivered every step of the way. We are grateful for our legal team who worked diligently to present and defend the facts of this case. 

As we’ve said throughout this process, any former employees involved knew they were breaking the rules and chose to keep it hidden. NC State has no tolerance for misconduct in our athletics programs — such behavior is antithetical to our university’s mission and vision — and no tolerance for those who would choose to damage the reputation of this great university.

We accept the decision of the Independent Accountability Resolution Process (IARP) and appreciate the hearing committee’s careful review of the facts. The university will deal with the impacts, many of which include previously self-imposed penalties. We look forward to putting this matter behind us and embracing the incredible potential and bright future of men’s basketball at NC State. In the past several years, Coach Kevin Keatts and his staff have rebuilt our men’s basketball program into one of which all of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans can be very proud. 

Outcomes

In summary, the IARP accepted NC State’s self-imposed penalties including a fine and reduction in scholarships for the 2021-22 academic year, and the panel imposed additional penalties that include vacating the record for the 2016-17 season, an additional scholarship reduction, a one-year probation, a four-week recruiting communications ban and an additional fine.

The IARP’s complete written decision can be found here.

Background

From the moment NC State learned of the allegations from the NCAA, our response has been one of accountability, transparency and cooperation. These qualities are hallmarks of our university and are of utmost importance to me in my capacity as chancellor.

Our collaboration does not mean, however, that we conceded to the allegations. The university fought hard against allegations that we did not believe were supported by adequate, credible and accurate evidence. This can be seen in our responses to the initial NCAA allegations (December 2019) and the IARP Complex Case Unit’s amended allegations (May 2021).

Throughout the entire process, where we found that our program has been insufficient in any area — particularly regarding basketball’s management of complimentary tickets — we took ownership and made every effort to rectify those shortcomings, further improving the effectiveness of our compliance programs. Our proactive efforts were effective and are reflected in the IARP’s decision.

You can review a timeline of important IARP-related dates and actions here; additional links are provided in the timeline for key documents and information. This timeline extends from the previous timeline we released in an update to the NC State community about the federal investigation into college basketball in 2018. 

Next Steps

NC State’s Think and Do attitude includes doing the right things for the right reasons. We have looked forward to the resolution of this matter for almost four years, and now it is time to move forward. 

We will continue to promote, protect and support our student-athletes. And we will continue to build our athletics programs in the right way for the right reasons. And we will be successful.

I’m proud to be part of NC State, and I thank you for your ongoing support of the Wolfpack.

Randy Woodson
Chancellor

Posted on December 20, 2021