“Previous to the media report at present, the NCAA had not ed any member of the College relating to an investigation into this system”.
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The most likely scenario is that NCAA investigators received a tip that San Diego State’s staff may have violated recruiting rules and are just beginning to look into the allegations.
That the NCAA allowed SDSU to make a statement denying a formal investigation is rare and in some circles will be viewed as a sympathetic gesture as well as an admission of a breach in secrecy. “Members of the NCAA employees confirmed for the College that they haven’t commenced a proper investigation. San Diego State takes all potential NCAA issues seriously and will cooperate fully with the NCAA”. Whether the investigation will eventually lead to a “Letter of Inquiry” from the NCAA remains undetermined, as is always the case at this stage of an investigation.
Multiple phone calls to AAU basketball coaches, who coached current SDSU players, as well as several high school coaches where those same players went, were not returned.
Schools can face stiff sanctions for NCAA violations, such as the loss of scholarships or postseason bans.
It comes in a crucial period of the recruiting season when the Aztecs are in pursuit of a handful of Rivals 150 prospects including guards Jonah Mathews and De’Anthony Melton and forwards T.J. Leaf and Michael Cage Jr.
Aztecs basketball first became a phenomenon in sun-drenched San Diego in 2011 when breakout star Kawhi Leonard and a collection of transfers and under-the-radar recruits led the program to a 34-3 record and its first-ever Sweet 16 appearance.
He’s won five MWC regular-season titles.
Per Parrish, Level 1 violations are infractions that ” seriously undermine or threaten the integrity of the NCAA collegiate model as set forth in the Constitution and bylaws, including any violation that provides or is meant to provide a substantial or extensive recruiting, competitive or other advantage, or a substantial or extensive impermissible benefit”.
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Nevertheless, the college stated in a press release it’s unaware of any investigation.
