Infractions Report
 
November 5, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PINE BLUFF, Ark. – The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has today received the decision of the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions regarding its investigation of the UAPB athletics program.  This case primarily involved unintentional errors in institutional certification of athletics eligibility which occurred between the 2007-08 and 2011-12 seasons.  After alleged violations were initially brought to the attention of the UAPB administration, the University began investigating those allegations and hired an outside consultant to conduct an audit of its eligibility certification process during the pertinent time frame.  Based on that audit, UAPB self-reported violations to the NCAA, self-imposed a number of penalties, including a reduction of scholarships and a period of probation, and immediately implemented corrective measures to improve the eligibility certification process. 
 
While both UAPB and the NCAA Infractions Committee have continued to agree on the factual findings of the audit, the Committee initially imposed additional penalties beyond those self-assessed by the institution.  Having felt that those additional penalties were not consistent with the findings of the audit, UAPB appealed to the Committee to reconsider the additional penalties.  The decision released today reflects a reduction in those penalties based on the information presented to the Committee by UAPB and its outside consultant. 
 
"We appreciate the attention given to our appeal by the Committee on Infractions, and its decision to reduce the penalties it initially assessed against UAPB," said Chancellor Dr. Laurence B. Alexander. 
 
"However, we remain disappointed even with the reduced penalties imposed by the Committee, and will take the next several days to explore whether any further appeal options should be pursued."
 
Dr. Alexander, Director of Athletics Lonza Hardy Jr., and the entire Department of Athletics staff remain committed to insuring that the eligibility certification process is in full compliance with all NCAA rules and regulations.
 
 
 

 
CONTACT:
Lonza Hardy
Athletic Director
(870) 575- 7950, lhardy@uapb.edu
 
Laurence B. Alexander, J.D., Ph.D.
Chancellor
(870) 575-8000, chancellor@uapb.edu