The University of North Carolina received a third notice of allegations from the NCAA offices in Indianapolis this week, just in time to ruin the holiday spirit in Chapel Hill.
In its response to the NCAA, UNC expressed concern over the process, as what the school considered to be key evidence was rejected by the infractions committee chair.
“We’ve worked collaboratively with the NCAA enforcement staff for more than two years,” said Bubba Cunningham, director of athletics. “We have serious concerns about the process that led to the third notice of allegations based on the principle that all member institutions should expect fair and consistent treatment. We will continue to work cooperatively with the NCAA and remain fully committed to seeking a fair outcome.”
The evidence from the university that was rejected for inclusion in the infractions hearing in October was some correspondence “reflecting months of dialogue between the University and the enforcement staff.” The argument being made, it would seem, is the university is making every attempt to be proactive about how it is responding in the wake of allegations against its athletics program. Not being able to include such evidence to convince the infractions committee of that effort may or may not be needed in this case, but it is curious why the evidence would be rejected.
In two separate letters, the NCAA made its case to the university on why such evidence should not be included.
“Having reviewed and considered carefully the institution’s concerns, it is the enforcement staff’s position that the present case is appropriately and fairly alleged pursuant to NCAA infractions proceddures,” a letter from Director of Enforcement Tom Hosty said, dated December 16, 2015.
Needless to say, leaders at UNC are not pleased with this decision from the NCAA.
[UNC]
