Boise State University officials, commenting on the NCAA's report today on infractions in five sports, said they've taken steps to address the concerns raised by the NCAA. “We defended the athletic program to the best of our abilities at the hearing and had hoped our self-imposed sanctions and corrective measures would be sufficient,” said BSU President Bob Kustra.

“A number of decisions have been made since the beginning of the investigation that have demonstrated our commitment to the NCAA process. Boise State will have a diligent and meticulous approach to compliance, with a new level of leadership and accountability. The infractions and subsequent penalties have left us no margin for error going forward, and have changed the nature of oversight required.” Head football coach Chris Petersen said, "Like Dr. Kustra, I was surprised by the findings. I am also disappointed. However, it will not have an impact on our on-field efforts.  At this time we are completely focused on winning Friday’s game at Toledo.” Click below for BSU's full statement responding to the NCAA infractions report, and click here to read the full 73-page report.

BOISE STATE NEWS RELEASE / September 13, 2011  

BOISE STATE RESPONDS TO NCAA INFRACTIONS REPORT

Boise State University has received the NCAA’s ruling relating to the June 10 hearing with the Committee on Infractions. The NCAA’s decision verified violations that occurred between 2005-2010 in five sports: men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s track and field, and football.

The NCAA accepted the university’s self-imposed punishments, which include a three-year probation for the athletic department, the dismissal of two women’s tennis coaches, vacation of records in women’s tennis, a letter of admonishment to the men’s tennis coach, a letter of education to the head football coach, as well as reductions in scholarships and practices.
 
The NCAA has also levied additional penalties, including a post-season ban on the women’s tennis team for the 2011 season, a reduction of six additional scholarships in football (three each for the 2012 and 2013 seasons), and a reduction of nine contact practices during spring football (three each for the 2012, 2013, and 2014 seasons). The Committee on Infractions also found that the “scope of the violations demonstrated a lack of institutional control.”

“We defended the athletic program to the best of our abilities at the hearing and had hoped our self-imposed sanctions and corrective measures would be sufficient,” said Boise State President Bob Kustra.
 
“A number of decisions have been made since the beginning of the investigation that have demonstrated our commitment to the NCAA process,” Kustra said.  “Boise State will have a diligent and meticulous approach to compliance, with a new level of leadership and accountability. The infractions and subsequent penalties have left us no margin for error going forward, and have changed the nature of oversight required.”

Since December of 2010, the compliance department has reported directly to the President’s Office through the Office of the General Counsel. Boise State has a new executive director of compliance, John Cunningham, and has augmented the overall size and scope of the compliance department. An increased emphasis on compliance education for players, coaches, and staff has been implemented, along with improved documentation and updated policies.

“Like Dr. Kustra, I was surprised by the findings. I am also disappointed,” said Boise State head football coach Chris Petersen.  “However, it will not have an impact on our on-field efforts.  At this time we are completely focused on winning Friday’s game at Toledo.”


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