Reference no: EM132288170

Kansas' Silvio De Sousa was declared ineligible by NCAA for rest of this season, all of next season. Accepting Funds.

“The NCAA’s statement Friday evening said: “According to the guidelines adopted by the NCAA Division I membership, when a prospective student-athlete allows a third party to involve himself in the recruitment process, the prospective student-athlete is then responsible for the actions of that person, regardless of whether the prospective student-athlete had knowledge or if benefits were received. Membership guidelines state the starting point for these violations is permanent ineligibility, but the NCAA staff recognized mitigation based on the specific circumstances of this case when making its decision.”

That did nothing for Kansas coach Bill Self or athletics director Jeff Long, who both issued statements of anger.

Said Long: “We are shocked and incensed by today's decision, and we will immediately appeal as this was clearly an unfair and punitive ruling for a young man who had no knowledge of any NCAA violation, nor did Silvio personally benefit from the violation. While we will continue to work with the NCAA on the broader matter, we have an obligation and a desire to advocate for our student-athletes, and will continue to do that for an outstanding young man."

Kansas athletics officials said they will appeal the NCAA staff ruling, which would go to the Division I Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee.

De Sousa, a four-star recruit, was one of several current and former players mentioned during the trial of former Adidas executive James Gatto that stemmed from an FBI investigation into corruption in college basketball.”

What NCAA bylaws were violated? (Please provide number and title.