The NCAA’s report on Tennessee’s football program is far reaching and incredibly disconcerting for former Jeremy Pruitt’s legal counsel.
The NCAA has presented UT with a notice of allegations that outlines 18 violations and nearly $60,000 in cash or gifts given to players and their families by Pruitt, his wife, numerous coaches, members of his coaching staff and at least one booster, according to documents provided to Knox News.
Tennessee and Pruitt’s legal team have been at odds since Pruitt was fired in January of 2021 for cause. UT has alleged multiple recruiting violations that would justify not paying Pruitt’s buyout. Apparently, those violations did occur according to the NCAA. So what will happen to UT now?
That’s a bit unclear. The NCAA has not been very punitive recently as it has faced an array of changes to college football. The NCAA has struggled mightily to handle those changes, which include the implementation of NIL payments to players and a much more fluid transfer portal.
The governing body hasn’t been in position to levy a strong penalty against almost anyone. NCAA President Mark Emmert is slated to step down in June. However, all of the violations reported to UT by the NCAA are Level I violations, which are considered the most serious.
The allegations against Pruitt include participation by his wife, Casey Pruitt, assistant coaches Derrick Ansley, Shelton Felton and Brian Niedermeyer and recruiting staff members Drew Hughes, Bethany Gunn and Chantryce Boone, according to the report.
Pruitt was fired after going 16-19 in his three season at Tennessee. He was 10-16 in the SEC. He is currently a defensive assistant for the New York Giants. Pruitt was hired by former UT athletic director Phillip Fulmer, who is also no longer with the university.
None of the above parties are affiliated with Tennessee any longer. That should help the Vols avoid a serious penalty, as should Tennessee’s active participation in the investigation.
