Reports: 'Major' violations occurred at Oregon
The University of Oregon agreed Monday with an NCAA investigation that cited "major" violations committed by the football program, according to multiple reports.
At least one major violation was acknowledged in relation to an ongoing investigation regarding the Ducks' recruiting practices from 2008-11. The school has offered to self-impose a two-year probation for the football program and a reduction of one scholarship for each of the next three seasons, according to the Oregonian and Portland TV station, KATU, who saw the documents through a public records request.
"There were underlying major violations coupled with failure to monitor violations involving the head coach (2009 through 2011) and the athletics department (2008-2011)," KATU reported, citing the NCAA enforcement staff's report.
The documents center on a $25,000 payment made to Will Lyles, who ran a recruiting and scouting service, the reports said. Most of the alleged violations cited happened while Chip Kelly coached the team. He left in January to become the coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Kelly released a statement Tuesday.
"I am aware of the recent reports and of the ongoing investigation being conducted by the NCAA and the University of Oregon. While at Oregon, I know we were fully cooperative with all aspects of the investigation and I will continue to contribute in any way that I can. But until the NCAA rules on the matter, I will have no further comment."
Oregon is expected to appear before the NCAA's committee on infractions later this year.
In a statement to the Oregonian Monday night, the school said: "The review is ongoing until the NCAA Committee on Infractions issues its final report. The integrity of the process and our continued full cooperation with the NCAA prohibits us from publicly discussing the specifics of this matter."
