Ball State University has reopened an investigation into violations of the NCAA’s book loan policy following a visit from two members of the NCAA’s enforcement staff.The investigation, which began in May, found 43 violations and the involvement of seven sports.“We focused our investigation on 04-05 book purchases,” Ball State athletics director Bubba Cunningham said. “The NCAA has suggested that we also review 03-04 and 02-03.”Athletes from various sports use the book loan program, which is designed to pay for books that are required for their classes at Ball State. The violations involve athletes who obtained books that weren’t required for their classes and some provided other students with books, a violation of NCAA bylaw 15.The announcement comes on the heels of the release of the names of 16 athletes who were suspended for the weekend’s contests.Thirteen football players, including eight starters, were suspended for this weekend’s game against the University of Iowa, which the team lost 56 to 0. The thirteen football players were part of the original investigation which occurred in May.
The football players suspended for Saturday’s game included the top returning rusher from last season, Charles Wynn, and the top returning receiver, Bryan Williamson.
Football head coach Brady Hoke, however, said in a press conference on Aug. 29 that Williamson had not been named a starter due to practice performance, not a violation.
Other suspensions included defensive end Cortlan Booker, defensive tackles Amara Koroma and Temidayo Macarthy, safety David Gater, cornerback Randell Means, nose tackle Tom Kellar, offensive tackle Justin Schneider, linebackers Donta Smith and David Denham, receiver Louis Johnson, and cornerback Lavell Mosley.
Suspensions of additional football players could continue throughout the early part of this season, Cunningham said.
“The suspensions for football that were agreed upon with the NCAA last spring ... will be spread out over four games,” Cunningham said.
In addition, the three volleyball players who were reported Friday to have violated Ball State’s book loan policy were not involved with the distribution of books to third sources, Cunningham said.
Stephanie Bacon, Rachel Refenes and Kristin Westhof, who sat out this weekend’s Michigan State Invitational, will also sit out tonight’s game against IUPUI. The seniors received books that were not required, only recommended for their classes. While they did not distribute the books to other sources, it is still a violation of the bylaw.
The volleyball players were the first athletes from the latest investigation to serve their suspensions. Cunningham said that, because the investigation was ongoing, suspensions could be learned at any time.
Two members of the NCAA’s enforcement staff visited Ball State on Aug. 29 and 30 to ask some questions and encouraged the university to further their investigation into the violations involving Ball State’s textbook loan program.
“What we did on Monday was immediately start reviewing student athletes who compete in the fall,” Cunningham said.
Cunningham wouldn’t expand on the NCAA’s role in the investigation.
“We’re trying to keep them informed,” Cunningham said.
Cunningham also said that more names could come out as the investigation continues. The athletic department will look back over the past couple of seasons to check for more infractions. He said the investigation could last a while.
“I think it’s just beginning,” he said.
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