Oct. 20, 2004 Seattle - The University of Washington's department of intercollegiate athletics has received the NCAA Committee on Infractions Report No. 226 Case No. M209 imposing penalties on the Husky athletic department. Washington will not exercise its option to appeal the committee's decision. The committee did not find a lack of institutional control, though it did find a failure to monitor with respect to the use of a boat in recruiting and gambling issues. There were no new penalties beyond those previously imposed by the University and the Pacific-10 Conference, though the length of the Pac-10 penalties was extended by one year. "We are pleased that the NCAA has concluded its work in this case and found no lack of institutional control," said Husky athletics director Todd Turner. "In most respects, the report is consistent with the findings and penalties of the Pac-10, and it agrees with our own investigation and corrective actions. The extension of the length of the penalties previously imposed by the Pac-10 was not expected, but is not excessive." The report indicates former football coach Rick Neuheisel, as well as other athletic department staff, did violate NCAA gambling legislation. The committee could not determine if Neuheisel relied upon gambling memos issued by the former compliance director. The committee accepted the University's termination of Neuheisel among the sanctions imposed. The committee further noted, "it was very troubled by the fact that when he (Neuheisel) was first questioned about his participation in the 'bidding pool,' the former head coach did not provide truthful information." "We are eager to move forward, continue to implement our corrective actions, and build a program that fully reflects the University's values," said University President Mark Emmert. "I have confidence that, under Todd Turner's leadership, all of the pieces are in place to accomplish that. We will do things the right way. We expect to be exemplary in everything we do." |
