FAMU off NCAA probation

The National Collegiate Athletic Association announced today that Florida A&M University's 4-year probation has ended.

FAMU President James H. Ammons was notified by letter from James A. Elworth, the NCAA Assistant Director of the Committee on Infractions. Elworth wrote, that the FAMU Athletics Department probationary period ended on January 31, 2010.

“This has been a difficult time for us in some respects. All though we have achieved success in our athletic programs during this probationary period, we now have this behind us and I fully expect as we go forward, that we will remain committed to compliance with the NCAA,” said Ammons.

FAMU was placed on NCAA probation on February 1, 2006 for the following infractions:

Sixty-seven student-athletes competed even though they did not complete the required 24 credit hours in a given year.

Thirty-four student-athletes competed despite not meeting NCAA progress-toward-degree requirements.

More than 100 student-athletes practiced and competed before completing required NCAA paperwork.

Twenty-two practiced and competed before their high school transcripts were reviewed and before they received certification of their academic eligibility.

One student-athlete was allowed to compete despite not choosing a major before her third year of enrollment.

One student-athlete competed without meeting minimum grade-point average requirements.

The committee also found that during the 2004-2005 season, the football team exceeded the 20-hour weekly limit on athletically related activities. However, due to poor record keeping, the exact dates and amounts of excessive practice were not available.

In assigning penalties, the committee considered the institution’s corrective actions, including enhancements made to its compliance and educational programs. It also considered conference-imposed penalties, including the return of $175,000 in revenue sharing and vacation of contests and conference championships where ineligible student-athletes competed. The institution’s self-imposed penalties also were considered.