Sports

Oregon proposes probation for grid violations

The University of Oregon has proposed a two-year probationary period as well as a reduction of a scholarship over the next three seasons as punishment following the release of documents that shed light on “major” NCAA violations committed by the football program.

The violations reportedly took place during the majority of head coach Chip Kelly’s tenure at the school. Kelly, who left Oregon this offseason to coach the Eagles, released a statement regarding the infractions.

“I am aware of the recent reports and of the ongoing investigation being conducted by the NCAA and the University of Oregon,” Kelly said. “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.”

According to the documents, released to several outlets including Portland television station KATU, the violations deal mainly with Will Lyles and a Houston-area scouting and recruiting service that provided information to Oregon coaches. Lyles became “a representative of the institutions athletic interests” in May 2008, the documents state.

According to the papers, Lyles had “impermissible telephone and off-campus contacts” with prospective student-athletes and “provided a meaningful recruiting advantage” to Oregon coaches who would take trips to Texas.

The school also paid $35,000 for the improper services, including $25,000 that went to Lyles’ Complete Scouting Services, a violation a NCAA rules.

The school also was cited for making 730 impermissible phone calls, having too many coaches involved in recruiting and did not properly monitor recruiting practices.While some of the violations were major, the report did suggest that Oregon did not partake in “unethical conduct” and did not show a “lack of institutional control,” which will factor into the school’s resulting punishment.