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

NCAA Finished Talking With Memphis

((HT: Memphis Commercial Appeal/Wolken))

The University of Memphis’ meeting with the NCAA committee on infractions lasted less than four hours here today -- a surprisingly short time for a hearing of this magnitude -- and wrapped up before 11:20 a.m. ((One of the hot button issues in the investigation, former head coach John Calipari is pictured, thanks Commercial Appeal file))

University president Dr. Shirley Raines issued the following written statement as Memphis’ representatives at the hearing left the Sheraton Indianapolis hotel:

“Today, the University of Memphis responded to the NCAA allegations concerning our men’s basketball and women’s golf teams. Although we cannot comment on the specifics of what occurred during the hearing, I can say that, as President, I reiterated the University’s commitment to NCAA rules compliance.

As a member institution with several of our staff participating in NCAA leadership positions, I expect the University to live up to its commitment. We believe we were able to fully answer the Committee’s questions and present the actions that we have already taken based upon our internal investigations. Throughout this process, we have had a cooperative relationship with the NCAA Enforcement Staff, and we want to thank the NCAA for that.

“We are hopeful that we will receive a favorable decision on behalf of the University in this matter. We appreciate your interest and we look forward to having more to say after the committee has released its decision.”

Memphis officials, including Raines, athletic director R.C. Johnson and university counsel Sheri Lipman all declined comment before leaving quickly in a black Ford Expedition.

Raines Remains Quiet At Memphis

((HT: WHBQ-TV))

She is the genteel, yet academically driven, woman who historically broke through the "glass ceiling" as the first female President of the University of Memphis. For nearly eight years, Shirley Raines ((pictured, thanks Memphis Commercial Appeal)) has committed to elevating the educational standards at U of M to her highest priority.

In 2005, when her name was mentioned as a possible candidate for the then vacant UT Presidency, Raines told FOX13 News, her decision to stay here was based on "I think it takes a while to build the kinds of accomplishments we want to see for the University."

But, Commercial Appeal columnist, Geoff Caulkins, is among those who note when it comes to providing direction or assuming responsibility for the oft-times troubled U of M Athletic Department, Raines often silently demures to the "good ole boy system."

Caulkins says, "I can't judge what sort of University President Shirley has been. I don't know. I don't think as a sports presence. The athletic department. That she's been particularly effective. Your images of Shirley Raines, for good or ill, or Shirley Raines singing I'm so glad I go to U of M."

On Thursday, President Raines turned down a request from FOX13 News to respond to allegations contained in a previously withheld notification of an NCAA investigation, which contained charges that former Tiger basketball star, Derrick Rose, may have had someone else take his college entrance exam.

Since the official letter came directly to Raines, nearly four months ago.....and the fact she's been requested to appear before an NCAA inquiry board in Indianapolis next week....her failure to directly comment on the allegations is frustrating as the person on the top rung of school's hierarchy.

Caulkins asserts, "She's obviously embarrassed. I would imagine she would have to be by this. And yet, I think the silence is unfortunate. So, you have R.C. (Johnson) not saying much. Shirley saying nothing at all. You have Kentucky issuing press releases saying this is a Memphis problem. But, no one from Memphis is really addressing it."

However, an absence of comment from Raines, other than occasional printed statements over the years, has become a pattern when it comes to problems especially related to decisions on issues arising in the Tiger basketball program.

Under former head coach, John Calipari, the list of troubled players, arrests for assaults, drugs and questions over a perceived lack of disciplinary recourse was never formally addressed by Raines except to say, those were coaches responsibilities. Caulkins says the grim reality for Tiger fans might be that Coach Cal's departure has left a bigger void than Raines or embattled Athletic Director, R.C. Johnson, might want to admit.

Caulkins concludes, "I have this overwhelming sense that for the last five years, everyone has essentially turned the athletic department over to John. And now they're trying to figure out what to do with it."

Here's Les Smith's piece on Raines from our friends at WHBQ-TV