The NCAA Committee on Infractions announced their decision Friday on the investigation they conducted into violations of NCAA ethical conduct rules by former assistant Chuck Person.
Auburn’s men’s basketball program has been placed on four years of probation for violations of NCAA ethical conduct rules by former assistant Chuck Person, while head coach Bruce Pearl received a two-game suspension. pic.twitter.com/NA9VXNbJtl
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 10, 2021
The NCAA has placed Auburn's college basketball program on probation for four years, and head coach Bruce Pearl has been suspended for two games. The probationary period starts immediately, and Auburn also loses two scholarships per season. The school is also fined $5,000 and 3% of the men's basketball budget.
There will not be a post-season ban as the school self-imposed one last season.
Considering the investigation took four years to complete, it appears that this is more of a slap on the wrist for Auburn.
The school announced that they will not appeal the NCAA's decision, as noted by Bennett Durando of the Montgomery Adviser.
“We are pleased that a conclusion has been reached in this case. For the last four years, Auburn has been proactive and cooperative with the NCAA enforcement staff and Committee on Infractions. We have been and will continue to be committed to NCAA rules compliance. As such, we accept all penalties and are ready to move forward.”
Many expected the penalties to be much more harsh. The investigation began when former assistant Chuck Persons was arrested and eventually convicted for accepting bribes to direct prospects to specific agents and financial advisors. That sparked an FBI investigation into wide-ranging corruption in the sport of college basketball.
The NCAA concluded that Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl did not do a good enough job monitoring Chuck Persons' activities; therefore, he garnered the two game suspension. This is not the first time Pearl has been in hot water.
Pearl was previously suspended eight games by the SEC for violating rules while coaching Tennessee. He was later fired by the Volunteers.
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