COLUMBIA, MO – SEPTEMBER 13: A general view during the game between the UCF Knights and the Missouri Tigers on September 13, 2014 at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

As if Missouri’s athletics department hasn’t had enough off-the-field headlines attached to it in the past year, the onslaught of news continues.

On Tuesday, the school announced in a vague press release that it was under investigation for violation of NCAA rules. As the day continued, however, we got more specifics, including who and what exactly led to the NCAA getting involved.

Here is what the school had to say when it originally announced the investigation:

According to a statement from the athletics department, “The University of Missouri has received allegations of potential academic rules violations by a former tutor in the Athletics Academic Services area. Consistent with our commitment to rules compliance and to operating our athletics program with integrity, we are conducting a review of the allegations. We also have informed the NCAA who is working with us on this matter. To protect the integrity of the review process, we will not comment further at this time.”

Well, it was a matter of time that someone not under university jurisdiction would speak out. This time, that person would be former Missouri academic tutor Yolanda Kumar. She claims to be a part of the reason why the NCAA is looking into the athletics’ department’s academic processes.

“I have knowingly participated in academic dishonesty in my position as a tutor at the University of Missouri-Columbia Intercollegiate Athletic department, which is not limited to assistance with assignments. I have taken and assisted with entrance assessment, completed entire courses, and I been present to provide assistance with online assessments. It was encouraged, promoted, and supported by at least two Academic Coordinators for athletes in revenue generating sports, however, the wide spread desperation to succeed by other student-athletes at the bottom of an inverted pyramid of the organization’s construct cross (sic) multiple sports. I self-reported on November 2 and naively wanted to close the door on the manner after seeking counsel. I immediately resigned from my position on November 7 prior to meeting with a member for compliance, general counsel, and an individual that reports to the chancellor.

“You are able to see this post because I respect and honor your thoughts of me. I wanted you to hear it from me first. I apologize for disappointing you.

“I just can’t carry this burden anymore.”

Welp, that ain’t good. This school has already dragged itself through the woodshed. Whether it was a boycott, the athletics director leaving after 14 months for that good-looking Baylor athletics program or something else. Fans of the Tigers can’t even hope for a return of the Kansas rivalry thanks to Tim Kaine and Hillary Clinton losing the presidential election.
With the school still overcoming the protests from 2015, there was still plenty to be done. Missouri has yet to replace its chancellor, while the two major revenue sports — football and men’s basketball — are floundering. Based on the seriousness of the allegations put forth by the former tutor, there’s a chance it’s only going to get worse.

About Ryan Williamson

Ryan is a recent graduate of the University of Missouri and has recently returned to his Minnesota roots. He previously has worked for the Columbia Missourian, KFAN radio in Minneapolis and BringMeTheNews.com. Feel free to email me at rwilliamson29 AT Gmail dot com.