Eligibility and future professionalism

Running Line : NCAA INFRACTIONS

A Memo to the President of the Big Private University on

Potential Infractions of the NCAA Bylaws by the Men 's Football Team (Student 's name (University

MEMO

To : Dr . Emma Lazarus

From : The Special Athletics Assistant

Date : March 25 , 2007

Re : Concerns regarding the recent issues in the University 's Football Team

Madam , the recent events that have brought our university within the media 's limelight may possibly give problems to the University , if no immediate action is taken . Allow me to outline the

events and the possible NCAA infractions that our university may incur

The University is in the middle of an NCAA-imposed probation . As such any additional infraction may seriously compromise the university 's status in the NCAA . The following incidents involving our male football team may lead to unwanted additional infractions : a student-athletes had grade point averages ranging from 1 .60 to 1 .75 and Billy Joel , the team 's current quarterback , made an oral agreement on future possible plans with Whitney Houston , a sports agent . Allow me to expound on my point

The fact that five juniors , two sophomores , and five starters on defense have averages from 1 .60 to 1 .75 goes against the academic standards set my NCAA . The five starters , all of whom were freshmen last year , had averages lower than the NCAA set average of 1 .8 . The NCAA Backgrounder on Academic Reform clearly states the following : Freshmen in college are required to complete 24 hours of course work and have at least a 1 .8 grade-point average ' The low GPAs of the other student-athletes may also compromise another rule of the NCAA . The fact that these students have averages ranging from 1 .60 to 1 .75 may mean that they have failing marks which may greatly affect the completion of their degree requirements . Again , the said backgrounder is univocal Student-athletes entering college are required to complete 40 percent of their degree requirements by the end of their second year , 60 percent by the end of year three , and 80 percent by the end of year four ' I will personally look into this matter and investigate on the completion rates of the degree requirements of these concerned students Nevertheless I think it is important for your good office to be aware of this potential problem . All in all , this lower than required grade point average of some of our student athletes undermines the NCAA 's set Academic Progress Rate (APR ) of 925 . Not complying with the APR will mean a contemporaneous penalty for the football team which , in plain language , refers to cuts in financial aids and scholarships granted to individuals in the team

Madam , it is also bothersome that the coaching staff hid these from the school administration . I cannot pinpoint who exactly in the coaching staff is culpable , but once NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions holds its own investigation , the university as an entity might not the only one to be given a sanction...