It is standard practice -- even in self-reported cases and even when there is no fault by the institution or by any of its employees – for the institution to impose penalties on itself to counteract any potential advantage that may have been unknowingly gained. As part of this standard process with regard to this matter, below are listed the penalties the University of Oklahoma imposed on itself.
Self-Imposed Penalties
- The University permanently dismissed two student-athletesfrom the football team.
- During the 2006-07 academic year, the University did not re-award or re-allocate any athletic scholarships that may have been available as a result of this action.
[Note: This penalty resulted in a reduction of available athletic scholarships.]
- Since February 2006, the University has prohibited student-athletes from working at Big Red Sports and Imports automobile dealership. This restriction will continue for at least an additional three years (through at least the end of the 2008-09 academic year).
- The University has disassociated the individual who supervised the student-athletes while they worked at Big Red, for at least five years (until August 21, 2011) from any involvement with the athletics department, including:
(a)Prohibiting the individual from employing University student-athletes;
(b)Not accepting any assistance from the individual that would aid in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes or the support of enrolled student-athletes;
(c)Refusing all financial assistance for the institution's athletics program from the individual;
(d)Ensuring that no athletics benefits or privileges are provided to the individual, that are not available to the public at large; and
(e)Taking such other actions against the individual that the institution determines to be within its authority to eliminate the involvement of the individual in the institution's athletics program.
- Had the prior ownership of Big Red remained in place, the University would have disassociated the dealership from any involvement with the athletics department under the same conditions and for at least the same period of time.
[Note: The ownership of Big Red during the timeframe of the violations was completely replaced in the Spring of 2006 by individuals who had no involvement in the violations or with the dealership during the timeframe the violations occurred. The current ownership of Big Red has assisted the University in this process.]
- The University will reduce the number of football coaches who can recruit off campus by one during the Fall 2007 evaluation period. [Note: While there is absolutely no allegation of wrong-doing by the coaches or staff, this penalty was imposed to counteract any possible or perceived advantage gained as a result of the violations by others as reported by the University..]