Mizzou Athletics acknowledges allegations of potential academic rules violations

Update (4:34 p.m.): Yolanda Kumar, the former tutor, has responded to ABC 17 News. “I’m free from the dishonesty and that is worth more than gold,” said Kumar.

Update (11:48 p.m.): ABC 17 acquired a Facebook post written by a person claiming to be the former Mizzou Athletics tutor. ABC 17 reached out to the individual who appears to have written this Facebook post but has not heard back from the individual.

In the post, the alleged former tutor says they “knowingly participated in academic dishonesty in my position as a tutor at the University of Missouri-Columbia Intercollegiate Athletic Department.” The post goes on to say this person took entrance examinations and completed full courses for student-athletes during her time with Mizzou Athletics. It also claims two academic coordinators for “revenue-generating sports” promoted a culture of academic dishonesty.

The alleged tutor says they self-reported these potential infractions on November 2nd and stepped down on November 7th.

Below is our original story.

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COLUMBIA- Mizzou Athletics is investigating potential academic rules violations by one of its former tutors, the department announced Tuesday night.

The athletic department did not specify what rules the tutor violated or which Mizzou programs this affected. In a statement, the department said it is working with the NCAA and is reviewing the allegations. The statement did release the former tutor’s name.

Below is a statement from Mizzou Athletics and Athletic Director Jim Sterk.

STATEMENT FROM MIZZOU ATHLETICS

The University of Missouri has received allegations of potential academic rules violations by a former tutor in the Athletics Academic Services area. Consistent with our commitment to rules compliance and to operating our athletics program with integrity, we are conducting a review of the allegations. We also have informed the NCAA who is working with us on this matter. To protect the integrity of the review process, we will not comment further at this time.

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS JIM STERK

“While we recognize that there will be many questions regarding this situation, these investigations take time to ensure that we do it the right way. As always, our mission is to uphold the highest standard of academic performance and ensure the proper conduct with all of our programs.”