UH hoops ban must be reconsidered, NCAA appeals committee declares
STAR-ADVERTISER / DEC. 2015
UH guard Isaac Fleming shot the ball against the UH-Hilo Vulcans at the Stan Sheriff Center. The University of Hawaii men’s basketball team’s postseason ban and other penalties for the coming season must be reconsidered, the NCAA announced this morning in a news release of a decision by its Infractions Appeals Committee.
The University of Hawaii men’s basketball team’s postseason ban and other penalties for the coming season must be reconsidered, the NCAA announced this morning in a news release of a decision by its Infractions Appeals Committee.
UH’s fate is now back in the hands of the NCAA’s Division I Committee on Infractions, but with the recommendation of using a “less stringent” penalty structure.
Meanwhile, ex-coach Gib Arnold’s appeal of a three-year “show cause” order by the NCAA was denied by the appeals committee, it was announced in a separate but simultaneous release.
The announcements come two weeks out from the start of the 2016-17 regular season. As it stands, the Rainbow Warriors and second-year coach Eran Ganot are ineligible for the Big West Conference tournament in March and any subsequent postseason tournament.
UH’s penalties, which included the postseason ban, a reduction of two scholarships for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons and a fine, will all be reconsidered, the IAC said. No time frame for a final resolution was announced in today’s release.
UH said it is “cautiously optimistic” in its own news release.
“This is very encouraging and we appreciate the NCAA for all of their work on this matter,” UH athletic director David Matlin stated. “We are looking forward to a final decision. This has been a very difficult time for our Athletics Department in particular our men’s basketball program. However, we believe we’ll all come out of this much stronger.”
In February, UH appealed what it considered harsh penalties by the NCAA in its ruling of violations committed during the tenure of former coach Arnold. In April UH argued the COI “abused its discretion” in applying the postseason ban without finding any Level I violations or a lack of institutional control or failure to monitor.
UH’s Level II and III violations included impermissible coaching activities and extra benefits for student-athletes. The sanctions were announced by the NCAA on Dec. 22.
The NCAA adopted a new tiered system of punishment for infractions on Oct. 30, 2012.
UH argued that its punishment should occur under the NCAA’s previous structure, since its violations began before that date. Arnold was fired on Oct. 28, 2014.
However, “significant weight” was placed on “false and misleading information” supplied by Arnold as well as “unethical actions” by former assistant coach Brandyn Akana that occurred after Oct. 30, 2012, the COI decided in applying its new penalty structure.
The appeals committee today noted “there is no indication that the university encouraged the behavior or failed to warn the coaches that such behavior would not be acceptable. The appeals committee did not find the connection needed to tip the balance to the new infractions structure.”
It continued, “As a result, the appeals committee sent the case back to the hearing panel to determine which infraction structure is less stringent and review the postseason ban, scholarship reductions and financial penalty under that infractions structure.”
NCAA: Penalties appealed in Hawaii case sent back to committee by Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Scribd
NCAA: Gib Arnold's violations upheld by appeals committee by Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Scribd
26 responses to “UH hoops ban must be reconsidered, NCAA appeals committee declares”
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A huge mahalo to whomever wrote the letter of appeals to the NCAA! It isn’t too often I see anything like this where they need to revisit the penalties that were handed down to an institution. Be hopeful Hawai’i! This is a small win for our Men’s Basketball Team! Gib Arnold’s appeal was denied? Could mean something if they can put all the pieces together! IMUA!
Yes, this is very promising. It aint over yet. Its good that they recognized where the fault is from.
The NCAA should be sued. The damage is already done. All the potential returning players are gone. They should have made the decision sooner.
Agreed, in addition, the penalty placed on UH is not justified given the extent of other infractions by other schools.
Agree with Keolu. Consider the loss of revenue for the team this year that HAD potential of selling out many of its home games, as well as post season income. Not to mention the anticipated increase in sponsor funding due to last year’s success. That adds up to a decent amount of revenue lost. I’m sure the NCAA is protected from such lawsuits, but we should at least look into SOME compensation —- IF this all gets reversed….
Not to mention the possibility of losing recruits due to the post season ban. It would probably be futile though, because it would be almost impossible to establish actual damages to the school. But the NCAA should be forced to make quicker decisions, especially when a situation like this occurs.
agree
There is hope.
Any action by the NCAA Committee on Infractions needs to be made in a timely manner (like immediately) to have any redeeming value at all. Because of the impending harsh rulings, the B-Ball Bows lost almost all of its veteran players from last year, who didn’t want to play their junior and senior years with no possibility of post-season play. In addition, that stigma coupled with recruiting and scholarship sanctions, stopped the positive momentum that was building over the last 3 years for the Program. With the exception of Thomas, Coach Ganot is basically starting from scratch. “Reconsideration” is a hollow term, without meaningful action. Time for the NCAA to “get on with it, already”!!!
Agreed. This story seems to never go away. At least people accused of a crime have the right to a speedy trial.
Hard to imagine why it takes so long. Nowhere has it stated that new info has been submitted or considered. It would seem that gathering a committee for a 90-120 minute meeting should be all that’s left.
UH also voluntarily reported these violations when found and didn’t sweep it under the rug like other big institutions do, so they should get some credit for that, although they probably would have been better off not inviting the NCAA here in the first place to uncover more dirt with their fine tooth combs.
Yes, this whole issue was not as serious as made out to be. A power basketball school just received a “tap on the wrist” for providing strippers and other “delights” for a basketball team party. The NCAA did not find “lack of institutional control” a very serious offense.
In the meanwhile, student athletes made life decisions based on the penalties.
This whole NCAA organization is a farce. It should be disbanded.
Is that what Louisville got a slap on the wrist. What type of slap was it? Curious to know.
Also this should of been a legal investigation on the people and the school. Did this party not have one recruit who could of been under the age of being a legal adult (minor). If so another cover up.
Rick Pitiono is still at Louisville. Gib Arnold and Brandon Akana are gone.
I meant Rick Pinocchio.
Finally UH can see some light at the end of the tunnel.
Glad to know the NCAA sanctions committee is reconsidering the penalties imposed.
Now that Hawaii is not a threat to make post season play; projected to finish close to last the ban can be lifted. {:<)
So UH wasted their time and Our money.
The NCAA is so mad at Louisville (hookers & strippers for athletes) & UNC (fake classes for the past 20 years) that they’ll uphold the postseason ban for the University of Hawaii.
what’s taking these clowns so long.
it’s not a complicated case.
One of the things that comes to immediate fruition is having the majority of players who will be having significant time are Ganot’s recruit. We will see quickly how his recruitment of athletes and the coaching of them will manifest itself. If he wins again this year UH has found the right coach. If he does satisfactory and now able to recruit without the cloud hanging over his shoulder and wins, it will be confirmed in 2 more years he is the right coach.
If not able to win, it will be known that the recruiting of athletes are not at the levels that were being recruited by Arnold 3 years ago. No matter how good one can coach, if you don’t have the talent you will not get back to the dance.
I am hoping he’ll be able to bring the players to come and play here in Hawaii because he and his coaching staff is very much capable. I stated before if Coach Wallace was at a big time program he would have been a coach who would of made the dance every year. Ganot has that same quality if not better and if he proves to be that right coach, we hope he stays here a long time like Coach Wallace.
Ganot, do the fans who are appreciative of Bob Nash, a favour. The history of the program needs to have him part of the on going journey of UH basketball. From what I saw the school and as well as Mr. Nash were doing the best they could for each other. He being one of the best players to play for UH and then becoming assistant coach and given the opportunity as head coach. Although going out not a successful win loss head coach, I believe every effort needs to be made to make him a continuous visible ICON for the program. I hope Mr. Nash and the school feel the same as I do, a person who gave back to a school and who became a member of the island and state’s community. If healing needs to be done, you maybe the only one Coach Ganot, who can get this done.
Damage by NCAA lack of timely decision has already damaged our program. The scholarships should be restored as well as post season play. Hub Arnold deserves his 3 year suspension. As far as Nash , his tenure as head coach was a failure but he will always be remembered as one of the greatest to play for the green and white. Nash will always be a part of the program. His wife lost her battle with cancer. Please give the man some time
So could UH bring in any left-over for some reason decent recruits at mid-season for enrollment in Spring semester if the scholarships penalty is lifted? Granted, it might be better to save the scholarships for full recruitment next year, but if any big bodies with fair skills are available and even if they don’t know the schemes that well, would it be beneficial for depth in defense and rebounding?