The San Diego State men’s basketball program is allegedly being investigated by the NCAA for possible impermissible benefits given to prospective players by the team’s staff, according to a CBS Sports report Tuesday.
SDSU’s athletics department issued a statement following the report that read:
“Earlier today, San Diego State reached out to representatives of the NCAA’s Enforcement staff following a media report regarding allegations involving the school’s men’s basketball program. Members of the NCAA staff confirmed for the University that they have not commenced a formal investigation.
Prior to the media report today, the NCAA had not contacted any member of the University regarding an investigation into the program.
San Diego State takes all potential NCAA issues seriously and will cooperate fully with the NCAA.”
Gary Parrish, who broke the news, spoke to The Mighty 1090 AM Tuesday afternoon and said that the investigation is centered around one assistant coach.
He also said that he had two disconnected sources that both confirmed that SDSU is under investigation for a very specific violation.
In his report, he states that the violations would theoretically be classified as Level 1. According to the NCAA, Level 1 violations are violations that “seriously undermine or threaten the integrity of the NCAA collegiate model as set forth in the Constitution and bylaws, including any violation that provides or is intended to provide a substantial or extensive recruiting, competitive or other advantage, or a substantial or extensive impermissible benefit.”
Although SDSU has not been notified of an investigation, Parrish noted in his report that it’s common practice of the NCAA to investigate before announcing a formal investigation.