Mizzou Athletics files appeal notice
The University of Missouri’s Athletics Department has filed its notice that it will appeal NCAA sanctions.
MU Athletic Director Jim Sterk announced the filing in a news release Thursday afternoon. The school is appealing penalties the NCAA announced last month after an investigation into a former tutor completing class work for 12 athletes. The sanctions include a posteason ban for football, baseball and softball.
️ NEWS | University of Missouri Files Notice of Appeal With NCAA
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— Mizzou Athletics (@MizzouAthletics) February 14, 2019
University officials have been united in their stand against the NCAA, calling the punishment heavy handed in part because the school cooperated with the investigation.
“We believe that the Committee on Infractions abused its discretion in applying penalties to the University of Missouri Athletics program, and we look forward to appearing before the Appeals Committee in the future to present our case,” Sterk said in a statement. “Mizzou’s case involved an isolated incident within our program, however, the penalties applied are overly harsh, not in line with established precedent and negatively impact student-athletes who chose to attend the University of Missouri and had nothing to do with the actions of one rogue individual.
“It appears that our cooperation throughout this process went largely unnoticed, which I believe will have a chilling effect and force other institutions to take a different approach in dealing with these type issues, which will not be in the best interest of the NCAA or intercollegiate athletics.”
Mike Glazier with the Bond, Schoeneck & King law firm will handle the appeal, MU Athletics said in the news release announcing it had filed the notice. Once the NCAA acknowledges the notice the school has 30 days to file its appeal. MU officials said the appeal process will take at least six months.
School leaders expect penalties to be on hold during the appeal.
The school would also lose scholarships if the punishment stands.
