Why does it appear that the NCAA enforcement process and resultant penalties punishes innocent student-athletes?
The penalty structure was established based upon the NCAA being composed of member institutions rather than individuals. Accordingly, the focus of the penalties is to ensure that there is sufficient deterrent so that the respective institutions will establish an environment which will preclude future violations. Unfortunately, some sanctions, such as a ban on postseason competition, while serving as a deterrent for institutions, also negatively affect innocent student-athletes. In light of this, a committee was formed in 1992 with the express purpose of reviewing the penalty structure. This committee added language to the enforcement procedures which, in effect, states that the interests of innocent individuals should be taken into account when imposing penalties. In part, as a result of this committee’s actions, a ban on television appearances was removed from the list of presumptive penalties to be imposed in major infractions cases. However, the simple fact is that the punitive natu
