Memphis Vacates, Gets 3-Years Probation, Appeals Instantly...

((HT: MyFoxMemphis))

Here's the full report from the NCAA...

From the Dan Wolken article in the Commercial Appeal...

The report states that the infractions committee “did not need to make a determination as to whether (Rose) engaged in unethical conduct” because the subsequent cancellation of his test score by the Educational Testing Service was a “strict liability” situation.

During the NCAA teleconference, questions about the time and place of Rose's SAT were asked multiple times and in each case, Dee said that once the NCAA's testing arm determined that the score had been canceled, the time and place of the test became irrelevant.

The penalties for Memphis include a reduction of scholarships for the women’s golf program, whose former coach was found guilty of providing extra benefits to players.

The report states that Memphis must return its 2008 Final Four trophy to the NCAA and that all school records must reflect the vacating of wins, meaning that former coach John Calipari is no longer the winningest coach in school history and the record is returned to Larry Finch.

Dr. Shirley Raines, the President of the university, has already announced that there will be an appeal of the decision. RC Johnson, the Athletic Director at Memphis, has already said that the banners that represent the wins of the program and its successes will remain in the rafters at the FedEx Forum while the appeal goes on.

Here's your highlights from the press conference with RC Johnson, President Raines, and University Chief Legal Counsel Sheri Lipman:

The three years probation covers all sports within the university's athletic department.

RC Johnson would argue that John Calipari did not have "unlimited control" as head coach. Johnson is also confident of the way the University is handling things currently. He would hire Calipari again if the situation were revisited. Johnson is not sure the university is taking a hit nationally- he feels "some people are in our corner nationally."

President Raines believes that, going forward, the university will be as diligent as "we believe we have." There will be a system of checks and balances that will ensure proper responsibility within the university. Raines feels the penalty was "unfair" as the university did its proper due diligence. The reputation of the school, while it may come to wins and losses, the university will be viewed by "how we play by the rules."

Coach Calipari's bonuses are part of the appeals proces as well. Coach Cal got $300,000 for performance, but if the appeal fails that money will have to be paid back.

The university also would have to pay back $85,000 immediately for performances in the post-season tournament and $530,000 in future disbursements.

Johnson admitted, that if the appeal fails, the banners would come down from the rafters at the Forum and the 61-game conference win streak would be wiped from all record books and publications.

The university will have their initial appeal done within 15 days, and their written appeal will be in the hands of the NCAA within 30 days.

Here's coverage of the presser from our friends at MyFoxMemphis/WHBQ-TV