The NCAA places the University of Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball program on probation for 3 years and fines them $5,000 and 1% of the men’s basketball team’s budget.
NCAA Places Alabama Crimson Tide Men’s Basketball on 3-Year Probation
The NCAA has issued a Level I infraction stemming from a scandal involving former associate athletic director Kobie Baker. The NCAA reports that Baker received bribes from a financial adviser and the father of ex-Tide player Collin Sexton. Sexton, the 8th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Baker, who resigned in 2017, has been issued a 10-year show-cause penalty.
The report states, “During the spring and summer of 2017, Alabama’s associate AD for men’s basketball received the money in exchange for access to Alabama student-athletes and their parents.”
The investigation was opened in 2017 as part of a massive federal investigation that targeted corruption across college basketball. Alabama received notice of the allegations on May 8, 2019. The school self-imposed minor financial and probationary penalties. However, the report cites a 2017 investigation involving recruiting violations by Bo Davis, a former assistant coach for the football team.
The NCAA states, “Given the fact that Alabama has had two cases involving unethical conduct in a three-year period, more than the minimum probationary period is necessary.”
Alabama’s Penalty
A Level I infraction is considered the most severe. It covers bylaw violations that provide competitive or other advantages to the school in question. Academic fraud, unethical conduct, and providing benefits resulting in enrollment are examples of a Level I infraction.
In addition to the 3-year probation, Alabama receives a $5,000 penalty plus 1% of the men’s basketball budget.
The report explains, “The three-year probationary period provides proper oversight of Alabama’s athletics and compliance operations. Penalties remain appropriate to hold institutions and involved individuals accountable for violations consistent with the membership’s mission of its infractions program.”
Michael Casagrande of AL.com reports, “The men’s basketball program had revenue of $16.03 million in the 2019 fiscal year. That would make the fine a little more than $165,000.”
During its probationary period, the school cannot breach any other NCAA code of conduct or it will face additional sanctions.
Crimson Tide 2020-21 Season
The Tide men’s basketball program is on the upswing. Nate Oats, after building a successful program at the University of Buffalo, was hired by Alabama on March 28, 2019. Though only posting a 16-15 record in his first season as head coach, the Tide are solid. The team was on the NCAA Tournament bubble before the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the remainder of the 2019-20 season.
Oats’ fast-paced offense is successful behind exceptional guard play. Kira Lewis Jr. and John Petty Jr. led the backcourt last year. Lewis Jr. was selected 13th overall by the New Orleans Pelicans during Wednesday’s 2020 NBA Draft, and Petty Jr. is on the preseason All-SEC first team.
Going into the 2020-21 season, Alabama will continue the trend of great guard play. Villanova-transfer Jahvon Quinerly replaces Lewis Jr. as the team’s starter.
Also, the Tide has the 10th-ranked incoming class in the nation. Standout guards JD Davison, Jusaun Holt, and Langston Wilson will join the program.
Additionally, Alabama begins their 2020-21 campaign by hosting Jacksonville State on Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN+.
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