As Ole Miss NCAA case drags on, state rep introduces bill to speed up process
A Mississippi state representative wants NCAA investigations to take place within a specific timeframe.
Mississippi Rep. Trey Lamar (R) has introduced a bill that would, according to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger, “force under the threat of financial penalty for the NCAA ‘to complete its investigation, present findings to the NCAA Committee on Infractions and to render its final decision either imposing penalties for the violations proven in the investigation process or dismissal of the allegations’ within nine months of a member institution’s response to a letter of inquiry.”
Guess what? Ole Miss is currently in the midst of an NCAA investigation that was extended following the May revelations regarding the football program. And you really won’t believe this, but Lamar went to Ole Miss and played football for the Rebels.
The NCAA continued its football probe into the school following the release of text messages from former offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil to a football staffer that referenced Tunsil receiving help for payment of his family’s bills.
Yahoo Sports reported in August the investigation had expanded as the NCAA interviewed players enrolled at other schools who were recruited by Ole Miss. The NCAA said in January of 2016 that the school had committed 13 football violations among 28 across multiple sports. Nine of the 13 violations happened under current Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze.
Ole Miss responded to that notice of allegations in May and self-imposed scholarship reductions and a near $160,000 fine on itself.
It’s not unpopular to posit that the NCAA needs to speed up its investigation process. But we’re not sure if state government intervention is the way to go. What if other states introduced and passed similar legislation? Worrying about differing state guidelines when starting an investigation could muck things up further. Imagine if your team’s investigation got put to the backburner because the NCAA had to get another investigation done within a specific timeframe dictated by a state legislature?
The bill has a potential $10,000 a day fine for the NCAA if an investigation extends past the timeframe outlined. But remember, it’s just a bill at the moment. For the rule to become law, it has to be approved by the Mississippi legislature. We’re doubtful that will happen.
For more Ole Miss news, visit RebelGrove.com.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
