Josh Heupel, the football coach of Tennessee, took over in January 2021, but the program was still concerned about the severity of NCAA sanctions.
A bowl suspension was not part of the sentence, which he described as a “huge relief” two and a half years later. He was “really excited” about the outcome when the NCAA Committee on Infractions published Tennessee’s punishment on Friday.
“Very excited,” Heupel expressed to ESPN. “I’m just really excited for the kids.”
Tennessee was fined $8 million, a sum that is thought to be an NCAA record, in addition to losing scholarships, having fewer visits, and having fewer recruiting contacts. A six-year show-cause order was issued to former coach Jeremy Pruitt, who oversaw the program at the time of the offenses. As a result, the school will have to forfeit some of its victories during that period.
However, Heupel saw the absence of any sanctions for the present players as a major win for a team coming off an 11-2 season and an Orange Bowl triumph over Clemson.
“You don’t know until today what it’s actually going to be,” Heupel stated. It’s critical that both our current players and upcoming players are safeguarded. I’m ecstatic about the result.”
The tendency in the infractions process of not penalizing current players who were not there when the authorized conduct happened is maintained by the lack of a bowl ban.
“The logical thought is, ‘How are you going to punish innocent people and innocent kids?'” said Heupel. “I’m happy with the result, for sure. It’s the proper choice for them.”
The drawn-out process of the NCAA’s infractions process has frequently been criticized for potentially affecting athletes and staff who were not directly involved in the infractions. Tennessee’s “exemplary cooperation” was noted by Kay Norton, the panel’s principal hearing officer and president emerita of Northern Colorado, as the reason the institution was not placed on a postseason restriction.
“Today’s decision preserves opportunities for current students who were not involved in wrongdoing to compete at the highest level and during the postseason,” she stated.
At last, Tennessee may proceed with the program without any doubts.
“You don’t know until today what it’s actually going to be,” Heupel said. Ensuring the safety of our present and future players is vital. I’m overjoyed with the outcome.”
The lack of a bowl ban perpetuates the trend in the infractions procedure to not penalize current players who were not there when the authorized conduct occurred.
“The logical thought is, ‘How are you going to punish innocent people and innocent kids?'” Heupel stated. “I must say that I’m pleased with the outcome. It’s the right decision for them.
