The letter is a formal declaration of an investigation into the program, which originally began in June, 2010.
"The notice of inquiry is a formal notification from the NCAA that they have been reviewing our football program," said North Carolina Athletic Director Dick Baddour in a statement released by the University. "We have been working with the NCAA and cooperating with them on this investigation. We are committed to the process and will continue to cooperate."
For almost an entire year the NCAA has been investigating North Carolina's athletic program for impermissible benefits and academic misconduct.
You recall 14 football players missed games last season during the investigations, seven were permanently ineligible including Marvin Austin, Robert Quinn and Greg Little for receiving money and other benefits from agents.
This won't get as juicy as Ohio State is currently but don't ignore.
We can't say that this was a surprise. The University of North Carolina announced this morning that star defensive lineman Marvin Austin has been dismissed from the team and that the NCAA has ruled Greg Little and Robert Quinn permanently ineligible for their dealings with an agent.
Here is a statement released by UNC Athletic Director Dick Baddour:
Oct. 11, 2010 Statement from Dick Baddour, UNC Director of Athletics on today's events:
“It’s a sad day when three young men are no longer able to represent their school based on actions they have taken and decisions they have made contrary to NCAA rules. Unfortunately, they made serious mistakes in judgment in accepting extra benefits and then not being truthful with our staff and NCAA representatives. Now they must forfeit the privilege of playing again for the Tar Heels. Although they are responsible for their actions, they are part of our university and our program and we will support them as they move into the next phases of their lives. I know they love to play the game, but I hope they will learn from their mistakes and lead productive and responsible careers.
As an institution, we must learn from these mistakes and work with the NCAA and others who love the game of football to repair the environment in which they occurred. College football is a wonderful game, but we need to closely examine and address the agent-related problems. The University of North Carolina pledges to do all it can to do that.
I hate that these issues have hurt the University of North Carolina and our fans. We have so much to be proud of as a University. We will learn from this and we will become a better program as a result.”
According the NCAA: Little accepted diamond earrings, travel and other benefits, Quinn took 2 black diamond watches, earrings and more travel. Austin's benefit's were not specified.
Read more about this from WTVD-TV in Raleigh-Durham RIGHT HERE
This...well....there really isn't anything good that can be said about this. Between this and the John Blake investigation, UNC is in a world of trouble; the only question is--how much?
Already, there have been whispers that Head Coach Butch Davis won't survive this either. He may survive the season, it would be somewhat counterproductive to do anything now, but we wouldn't be surprised if the Tar Heels are looking for a new coach...someone who will have to rebuild a program that is in deep trouble.
Baddour and Coach Davis addressed the media on Monday. (Thanks WRAL-TV)
Do you ever wonder how a "Notice of Inquiry" is delivered to a University. Is it in a plain manilla envolope or Fed Ex.
