I can't go through all of this thread, and it's been a while since there has been action on it. But I am perplexed that I hear no national talk of UNC's bb team without any talk of sanctions or potential probation. I heard a lot more about this stuff when Demaryius Thomas accepted a suit and GT was place on four years probation for that than I hear about Carolina. Does anyone have a succinct update? Is anything going to happen to the Holes? Why does no one care beyond us? Or do they, and it's behind the scenes?
Here is a recap/update. Not succinct though.
What we know:
UNC was notified of 5 Level 1 infractions (the most serious violations), including loss of institutional control. Their response was due in mid-August, however on the eve of the deadline UNC announced that they needed more time because they had uncovered MORE violations. At the time, they said that they hoped to complete an investigation of the additional violations by mid-October 2015.
Since then everything has basically gone dark. The ball appears to be in UNC’s court to submit their response, which they have committed to make public. There are 3 theories about what is going on. None of the theories would involve reduced penalties for UNC.
Theory #1 – UNC is simply using delaying tactics. UNC could argue that they need an extended period to investigate the additional violations and amend their response to the NOA. This theory seems unlikely given the amount of time that has now passed. At this point they would be risking antagonizing the NCAA for failure to respond in a timely manner.
Theory #2 – UNC is waiting on an amended Notice of Allegations. This has actually been mentioned by UNC’s AD, but also seems unlikely. Note that the NCAA would only be amending to the NOA if there were ADDITIONAL Level 1 or Level 2 violations to ADD to the NOA. UNCs initial response in August was that the additional violations were minor. If that is the case, then there would be no need to amend the NOA. The NCAA would not be removing any allegations, because they are still waiting for UNCs response.
Theory #3 – The most likely explanation would be that the NCAA and UNC are pursing Summary Disposition, which appears to be the NCAA-equivalent of pleading “no contest”. This makes sense from the standpoint that it would spare UNC from anymore public embarrassments or disclosure of information, including having to issue a public response to the NOA. However it would also require UNC to agree to all of the violations in the NOA, and agree that they all rose to Level 1. It would also require agreement on penalties, and the NCAA would seem to have all the leverage in those negotiations. If UNC basically accepts guilt for five Level 1 offenses, it seems highly unlikely that they would get away with just monetary fines.
If UNC doesn’t pursue Summary Disposition, expect a six-month process from the time they file their response to the NOA to when penalties are announced.
