A general view of a Tennessee Volunteers helmet. Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

NCAA investigation into Tennessee could have major ramifications

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Jan 30, 2024 2:27 PM ET

Tennessee is once again under an NCAA investigation, and this time the Volunteers might not get off so easy.

Per Sports Illustrated's Pat Forde, Tennessee is embroiled in an investigation "of potential rules violations that is 'major' in nature."

The university was fined $8 million in July 2023 after a separate NCAA investigation of the football program under former head coach Jeremy Pruitt revealed "recruiting violations and direct cash payments to athletes," per the New York Times.

The NCAA didn't issue a bowl ban, saying that Tennessee had an "'exemplary' response while cooperating with investigators."

Forde notes that specific details about the new case, including what sports are involved, are unknown.

However, "a recurrence... could have significant consequences," cautioned Forde. If a fine wasn't enough to curb the program's issues, the NCAA could levy a bowl ban to send a stronger message.

ESPN's Pete Thamel echoed Forde's reporting while adding details about Tennessee's potential defensive strategy to combat the investigation's findings.

The investigation puts Tennessee in the crosshairs as a repeat violator from recent NCAA ruling in July of 2023 from violations from former coach Jeremy Pruitt’s tenure. Tennessee’s argument in the case will be tied to vagaries in NIL rules.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 30, 2024

In August 2022, the NCAA sent a letter to its members seeking information on programs using "pay-for-play" schemes to entice recruits.

The NCAA adopted an interim NIL policy in June 2021 that "preserves the fact college sports are not pay-for-play," said Division II presidents council chair Sandra Jordan at the time.

"Investigations can be challenging and the enforcement staff needs help from member schools," wrote the NCAA in the 2022 letter.

"We need these materials because too many NIL arrangements are not made in the sunshine...Together we can root out unfair behaviors while encouraging healthy NIL opportunities," the NCAA added.

Forde notes speculation about Tennessee's latest investigation revolves around the recruitment of 2023 five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava.

The Athletic's Stewart Mandel reported in March 2022 that an unspecified member of the 2023 quarterback class agreed to an $8 million NIL deal. Mandel noted, "The contract explicitly states, 'nothing in this Agreement constitutes any form of inducement for (the athlete) to enroll at any school and/or join any athletic team."

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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