UNC Releases Notice of Allegations from the NCAA

The NCAA has charged the University of North Carolina on five Level 1 counts, which are defined as a "severe breach of conduct," after the NCAA found the university guilty of giving extra benefits to student athletes. According to the NCAA, from 2002-2011, these benefits "seriously undermined or threatened the integrity of the NCAA collegiate model."

Here is a summary of the five charges, which was released by UNC:

1. UNC actively helped student-athletes get into "certain course offerings within the AFRI/AFAM department...contacting individuals within the AFRI/AFAM department to register student-athlete in courses, obtaining assignments for classes taught in the AFRI/AFAM department on behalf of student-athletes, suggesting assignments to the AFRI/AFAM department for student-athletes to complete, turning in papers on behalf of student-athletes and recommending grades."

The NCAA added that 10 student-athletes were allowed to graduate with more than 12 independent Study hours, which is the maximum limit for any student.

2. The academic advisor to the women's basketball team, Jan Boxill, allegedly gave female basketball players impermissible assistance from 2007-2010. Boxill supposedly modified student-athletes' papers, handed in their assignments and requested specific grades.

3. The administrative assistant to the AFAM department head, Deborah Crowder, violated ethical conduct when Crowder chose not to assist the NCAA investigation.

4. The department head, Julius Nyang'oro, also violated ethical conduct by not assisting the investigation.

5. UNC was charged with the lack of institutional control for the other four charges.

Although the men's basketball and football programs were mentioned throughout the notice, not once is a particular staff member specifically targeted. For women's basketball hour, names were spelled out loud and clear.

AD Bubba Cunningham said in a statement:

"We take the allegations the NCAA made about past conduct very seriously. This is the next step in a defined process, and we are a long way from reaching a conclusion. We will respond to the notice using facts and evidence to present a full picture of our case. Although we may identify some instances in the NCAA's notice where we agree and others where we do not, we are committed to continue pursuing a fair and just outcome for Carolina.

We believe the University has done everything possible to address the academic irregularities that ended in 2011 and prevent them from recurring. We have implemented more than 70 reforms and initiatives to ensure and enhance academic integrity. We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of those measures and, wherever needed, put additional safeguards in place."

To read the entire Notice of Allegations, click here.

UNC has until August 20th to respond. They received the notice on May 20th.