Thomas, Burnett at heart of NCAA investigation at Tech
Georgia Tech was fined $100,000 by the NCAA, stripped of its 2009 ACC championship in football and placed on four years of probation on Thursday for failure to cooperate with its investigation into the football and men’s basketball programs.
Those weren’t the only penalties, which stemmed from what the NCAA described as an isolated instance of former standout wide receiver Demaryius Thomas allegedly receiving $312 in impermissible gifts, and grew to Morgan Burnett allegedly taking gifts and misleading NCAA investigators. Both have denied taking improper benefits.
In addition, more penalties were self-imposed and accepted by the NCAA:
- Public reprimand and censure.
- Four years of probation from July 14, 2011 through July 13, 2015. The public report further details the conditions of this probation.
- A reduction of two men’s basketball recruiting days during the 2011 summer evaluation period (self-imposed by the university).
- A limit of 10 official visits for men’s basketball for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 academic years.
- A vacation of all contests won by the football team during the 2009 season after November 24. The ACC said Tech must return the trophy. No champion for the season will be named.
The committee stated in its report, “This case provides a cautionary tale of conduct that member institutions should avoid while under investigation for violations of NCAA rules.” It said Tech’s previous history of violations factored into its punishment decisions. After receiving penalties for the 2005 and ‘06 seasons for infractions that occurred in the 1990s, the NCAA said that if Tech committed another major infraction before Nov. 17, 2010, it would be subject to added penalties as a repeat violator.
Within the investigation, the NCAA noted the combative and confrontational attitude of general counsel, Randy Nordin. He retired in December. Paul Parker, formerly the assistant athletics director at compliance, left in April to take a job with Auburn.
The case started when Tech learned that Thomas, received clothing from a friend of someone who worked for an sports agent. Burnett and former player Calvin Booker attended the meeting when Thomas received the clothing. Burnett didn’t receive anything.
Athletics Director Dan Radakovich told coach Paul Johnson about the investigation into Thomas receiving improper benefits, but didn’t inform him that he shouldn’t talk to Burnett about the investigation. The NCAA said that conversation hindered its investigation.
The NCAA noted that Tech continued to allow one of the players to compete in the final three games of the 2009-10 football season, in which Tech won the ACC and played in the Orange Bowl, despite the NCAA notifying the school that it had questions about the eligibility of that player. Dennis Thomas, the head of the Infractions Committee, said Tech had enough information to warrant not using the player until it could investigate the players’ eligibility. Tech President Dr. G.P. “Bud” Peterson made the decision to allow both to play.
“It appeared to the committee that the institution attempted to manipulate the information surrounding potential violations involving (the student-athlete) so there would be enough doubt about its validity to justify the decision not to declare him ineligible,” the NCAA said in its report.
The committee also noted “the university took these actions despite information reported by the student-athlete, another football student-athlete and an assistant football coach regarding the potential agent involvement in preferential treatment benefits.” Tech barred Booker from the university’s training facilities and denied him access to complimentary tickets to athletic contests.
Thomas denied that he was one of the reasons for the investigation. In a text message, Thomas said he was offered things by people not affiliated with Tech, but never accepted. Burnett, a safety and third-round pick, also denied the report, texting that he “did not knowingly or unknowingly receive any gifts from any agents … These reports are baseless and false.”
Thomas and Burnett signed with Tech when Chan Gailey was the coach. Paul Johnson, who led Tech to the ACC title in 2009, was hired after Gailey was fired by Radakovich after the 2007 season after five years at the helm.
It is the second time in six years that Tech has been penalized by the NCAA. It learned in 2003 that it had been misapplying an NCAA eligibility rule and worked with the NCAA to investigate the nature and results of the error. They learned that 17 athletes, including 11 football players, who were academically ineligible were allowed to compete during the 1998 and ‘99 seasons.
As a result, Georgia Tech was on a two-year probation that resulted in self-imposed scholarship cuts (from 85 to 79) and a reduction in signing classes (from 25 to no more than 19) in 2005 and 2006. In addition to those penalties, the NCAA infractions committee added a limit of 79 total football scholarships for the 2006 and 2007 teams, six below the normal maximum.
The infractions committee also recommended that Tech vacate wins from seasons, 1998-2002, plus 2004, which were all winning seasons that ended in bowl trips. Tech appealed and the NCAA appeals committee agreed, allowing the results of those seasons to stand.
The NCAA has been in what appears to be a testy mood regarding alleged violations and lack of cooperation in wake of scandals at Ohio State, Southern California and North Carolina, among other places. The Trojans were forced by the NCAA to forfeit their 2004 national championship and the Buckeyes voluntarily forfeited 12 wins and their 2010 Sugar Bowl victory in an attempt to appease the infractions committee. Penalties against North Carolina’s program haven’t been announced. However, numerous players were suspended for all or parts of last season.
Please keep checking back for news.
– Doug Roberson, AJC. Follow on twitter @ajcgatech
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531 comments Add your comment
NERDS! NERDS! NERDS! CHEATERS! CHEATERS! CHEATERS!
July 14th, 2011
6:11 pm
Awwww…. poor gtu fans, getting their wittle feewings hurts. BWAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA
UGA OWNS gtu…
Always have, always will.
NERDS! NERDS! NERDS! CHEATERS! CHEATERS! CHEATERS!
July 14th, 2011
6:13 pm
Hey gtu, take down your tainted “championship” banner. LMAO
UGA OWNS gtu…
Always have, always will.
Tech Fan
July 14th, 2011
6:13 pm
Peterson, Radakovich, Johnson, from hence forth to be known as the “three stooges” Shep, Larry, and Moe; what a trio of buffoons!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The OSU Buckeyes
July 14th, 2011
6:14 pm
@ Nerds the puppies will be sub par again and fire Richt and hire Tressel.
NCAA slaps Ga. Tech hoops on wrist for major violations | Beyond the Arc
July 14th, 2011
6:15 pm
[...] (Tech football took the brunt of the damage. The school received four years’ probation, a $100,000 fine and had to vacated its 2009 ACC title, but didn’t lose any scholarships or any postseason bans.) [...]
NERDS! NERDS! NERDS! CHEATERS! CHEATERS! CHEATERS!
July 14th, 2011
6:16 pm
Let’s start taking bets as to when gtu will get caught CHEATING again… LMAO
UGA OWNS gtu…
Always have, always will.
NERDS! NERDS! NERDS! CHEATERS! CHEATERS! CHEATERS!
July 14th, 2011
6:19 pm
…aaaaaaand gtu gets caught CHEATING AGAIN!!! LMAO
UGA OWNS gtu…
Always have, always will.
mwh6767
July 14th, 2011
6:23 pm
This sucks but if you get caught you get caught. Think this was a way for the Ncaa to try show how “tough” they are even though everyone knows they are full of it. Good that no schollys where taken and no post season ban. Time to move on, hopefully the players rally together and go get a championship that they cant take away.
SEC where overSigning Eliminates Competition
July 14th, 2011
6:23 pm
How is this cheating? How did receiving a couple of coats and admission to the aquairium influence the outcome of a football game? A real opponent would want to play the best team you can put on the field.
Tech Fan
July 14th, 2011
6:25 pm
“Athletics Director Dan Radakovich told coach Paul Johnson about the investigation into Thomas receiving improper benefits, but didn’t inform him that he shouldn’t talk to Burnett about the investigation. The NCAA said that conversation hindered its investigation.”
Peterson said:
“After being notified of the allegations in November 2009, Georgia Tech conducted its own internal investigation, forming a committee made up of faculty, staff and external counsel that made recommendations based on available information and the internal investigation findings.”
Anybody else see the problem with these statements; these guy’s expect the alumni to be gullible and “stupid.”
My four year old can be more creative than the President, AD, and HC of GT; these guys are inexcusable…. Once again the players are punished but the grown ups can ride off with all the cash into the sunset
JW
July 14th, 2011
6:29 pm
Hey Matt, why didn’t you and Doug just buy that kid some clothes? Better still, you could have let your little brown nosing ‘Bama Light Breeze’ just steal ‘em for you and give them to the kid. Even if he got caught he’d just blame it on others and you idiots would believe it.
Regards from Death Valley. Go Clemson!
SEC where overSigning Eliminates Competition
July 14th, 2011
6:31 pm
The only one riding off with the cash is the NCAA.
RamboDog
July 14th, 2011
6:31 pm
@Iliketacos1
And for everyone calling gt fans nerds? Are you saying that there successful and have really high salaries while Georgia grades have low-medium salaries? Or at you guys just jealous that were smarter then you guys?
Uh, I don’t know… you have so many spelling and grammar issues in your post, I probably need an English Major to “translate”….nope, I am not jealous of an IDIOT like you who can’t spell or write correctly…oh, and tell your Daddy I need him to work the night shift at the Varsity tonight, a bunch of Nerds called in sick because of the news today. If you were really as smart as you think you are, you will drop out before you flunk out and get on over to a good Vocational / Technical school asap.
threetrone
July 14th, 2011
6:45 pm
what do you expect from a team that refuses to pass, refuses to run a shotgun like the national champs, wears pink powder puff socks and refuses to believe that “black is out”…what I see is personality disorganization, characteristic of a team on drugs
KdubATL
July 14th, 2011
6:47 pm
For all those who are unfamiliar with college athletics: If you believe that $312 of gifts deserves punishment, then there is not a single team in any major conference who should not be placed on probation.
The NCAA is a joke. Let’s think long and hard about this one. A friend of a friend who works for an agent. That means agent>friend>friend>BeyBey. That is three degrees of separation. So if anyone of us who knows a sports agent gives something to a college athlete, does that mean it is an improper benefit?
Let’s change the scenario: If a student is on an academic scholarship, but receives any assistance from an individual (e.g. friend of the family, “friend of a friend of a family member), should there be consequences?
threetrone
July 14th, 2011
6:48 pm
public reprimand sounds interesting; what will that be, a boycott of games like the basketball games of this year?
Ramblin Recluse Road
July 14th, 2011
6:53 pm
public reprimand will mean I ramble reclusively even more from alma mater, unless team drops the wearing of black so much; the 1st CPJ years unis had the old gold on white background and looked quite smart with the gold helmets, and a gradual shift to black was observed, a bassackwards move
seriously wrecked
July 14th, 2011
6:57 pm
Kdub, its not the $312 its the lying and the cover up and being stupid enough to play someone who was being investigated. Sit the two of them and this is not a story.
YellowJacket
July 14th, 2011
6:59 pm
I’m firing a Dawg a day for the next 30.
RamboDog
July 14th, 2011
7:05 pm
@YellowJacket
Who will make the fries if you do…must be YOU because I see you in your “Mr. Manager” hat at McDonalds every morning…
LOSER, you being the BOSS…in your dreams, Bozo
YellowJacket
July 14th, 2011
7:07 pm
RamboDog, You’re fired.
KdubATL
July 14th, 2011
7:13 pm
Seriously wrecked, the NCAA never expressed a cover-up; their claim was that the discussions between Paul Johnson, BeyBey, and Morgan caused a manipulation of information that could possibly interfere with the investigation. It was shown that Morgan definitely did not receive anything.
Again I ask: where was the cover up? Was the Auburn situation a “cover-up” because they chose to play Cam? And why were Ohio State players allowed to play when the NCAA had already confirmed the wrongdoing? To all Ohio St. and Auburn fans, I do not have anything against those teams, nor do I support any punishments of those universities. I am just pointing out the inconsistencies.
Big DAWG Man
July 14th, 2011
7:14 pm
When the Dawgs have a player that is ineligible, they don’t play. The Nerds ignore it and play them for 2 years. Now they are at it again, taking gifts and still playing. Maybe now you pompus nerds will learn to not play hardball with the NCAA. You got what you deserved. The DAWGS winning streak just got extended.
Hoopster
July 14th, 2011
7:18 pm
Big Dog Man, the only problem with your theory is that they didn’t take gifts and in the middle of the week before the game, the NCAA said they were eligible. But don’t let that get in the way of your intelligent diatrible.
RamboDog
July 14th, 2011
7:19 pm
@YellowJacket
Sorry, man… I’ve already made mine$$$ and am just kicking back enjoying life…can’t wait to see the Dawgs GATA !!!
KdubATL
July 14th, 2011
7:20 pm
Actually, the winning streak does not get extended. The 2008 season is safe.
NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!!
July 14th, 2011
7:45 pm
NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!! NERDSS!!! 9-1!!! $312!!!
NERDS! NERDS! NERDS! CHEATERS! CHEATERS! CHEATERS!
July 14th, 2011
8:21 pm
42-34 OWNED!!! BWAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA
UGA OWNS gtu…
Always have, always will.
GT is a 4th rate high school team
July 14th, 2011
8:26 pm
Classy Cheaters. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA
GT is a 4th rate high school team
July 14th, 2011
8:28 pm
ACC = ASSOCIATION OF CUP CAKES = ASSOCIATION OF CLASSY CHEATERS.
GT is a 4th rate high school team
July 14th, 2011
8:30 pm
This is what Paul Johnson brought to the JOCKITCH. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
NCAA Puts Georgia Tech On Probation | Robert Littal Presents BlackSportsOnline
July 14th, 2011
9:18 pm
[...] are the details from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Those weren’t the only penalties, which stemmed from what the NCAA described as an isolated [...]
damadog90
July 14th, 2011
9:19 pm
TO ALL YOU DOGS OUT THERE AT LEAST WE CAN KEEP ALL OUR PLAYERS OUT OF JAIL.
suwanee dawg
July 14th, 2011
9:25 pm
These comments kill me. I’m an UGA alum and find all these comments too funny. Let’s face GT is an outstanding school and so is UGA. These schools are different in focus and nature. I will be the first to admit when we have discipline and “thug” issue. Tech folks should do the same. This is a reflection of their school and quite frankly, I feel bad for them.
thwg
July 14th, 2011
9:30 pm
What’s even more pathetic about this story is this: nobody really cares. We all know who won the 2009 ACC championship, and who cares about vacating wins from 2009. It’s sad that none ot his matters, but it is a statement as to how meaningless the NCAA is. I suspect if this is what happens to GT, then let’s be honest, OSU and UNC should get the death penalty. Otherwise, it has nothing to do about the infraction, but rather how it’s handled?? Are you serious? You can commit a serious infraction but as long as you report it and cooperate with the NCAA it’s tolerable? who cares about the titles and records, it’s about the money and $100k is nothing and certainly neither USC or OSU will have to return any money. Until this stuff starts hitting the financial coffers, noone really cares. 2009? That was an eternity ago in college athletics. Let’s just go win it in 2011.. And BTW, I feel the same way about UGA’s minor infractions, Auburn, Oregan, USC, OSU – who cares about vacating past stuff? nonone that’s who.
kevdawg101
July 14th, 2011
9:48 pm
Rambling Wreck Kevin
Africa is a continent, not a country. You obviously didn’t go to Tech because you are not smarter than a fifth grader. probably a third grader with that mistake!
I also don’t think you will find any georgia players driving an escalade.
Wes Durham's Gigantic Bottom
July 14th, 2011
9:59 pm
Give up the rings boys…..take down the banners…..give up the ACC Championship T-shirts nerds.
Wes Durham's Gigantic Bottom
July 14th, 2011
10:03 pm
thwg, actually nobody knows who won the ACC in 2009 because nobody cares who won the ACC, or the Mountain West, Conference USA, or any other insignificant conference……..cheaters…..I hope you Techies realize that your players do the same things that players from other schools do…..accept gifts, drink, and smoke……..wake up and face reality……fire Radakovich and Johnson.
NERDS! NERDS! NERDS! CHEATERS! CHEATERS! CHEATERS!
July 14th, 2011
10:06 pm
BWAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA I am in absolute BLISS that gtu got CAUGHT CHEATING AGAIN!!!
UGA OWNS gtu…
Always have, always will.
NERDS! NERDS! NERDS! CHEATERS! CHEATERS! CHEATERS!
July 14th, 2011
10:08 pm
gtu = GARBAGE BWAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA
UGA OWNS gtu…
Always have, always will.
Rafe Hollister
July 14th, 2011
10:16 pm
Aubarns next!
GT72
July 14th, 2011
10:17 pm
Please close the comments
Wes Durham's Gigantic Bottom
July 14th, 2011
10:21 pm
GT72….not fun when you realize your players are not saints, is it? Fire Radakovic and Coach Moobs
Puzzled
July 14th, 2011
10:21 pm
I have never seen so many insecure people representing UGA fans in my life.
bitter "OLE" School dooley(aka vince)
July 14th, 2011
10:35 pm
nasty——ohio st and pay for play————look out———-death penality
———–talk about a screw job———-2 bad apples and the whole team suffer’s
2009 was a great year for tech—–to all the so called dawg fans that are having to show there
———–as————shut the hel- up young punks—————tech had a great 2009 –leave it alone
Cindy
July 14th, 2011
10:37 pm
To the STUPID ARSED Dawg fan who keeps going Hahahahahahahahahah, UP YOURS, AHOLE!!!! UGA has pulled it’s share of you know what also!! Ya’ll aren’t clean, not by a COUNTRY MILE!!! Tech will get through this, it will come out SHINNY and BRIGHT!! May Buzz STING your arse a ZILLION times.
IL Jacket
July 14th, 2011
10:38 pm
While the initial violations were relatively innocuous, the Institute was ill served by its Athletic Director who made a bad decision in passing along information on the pendency of the NCAA investigation to CPJ after being told not to share the information with anyone else at the Institute other than the President. Additionally, the decision by President Peterson to permit the implicated players to play the last three games, undoubtedly played a major role in the severity of the sanctions.
the real Old Gold
July 14th, 2011
10:45 pm
Fire the pompus Johnson!!
IL Jacket
July 14th, 2011
10:59 pm
@the real Old Gold, from my reading of the findings it was not CPJ’s fault, since I didn’t find that DRad told CPJ that he couldn’t discuss the upcoming investigation with Thomas. From my reading, it appeared to be a breach by the AD.
Double Standard
July 14th, 2011
11:09 pm
It’s funny when stuff happens to UGA program in a negative light, comments are closed. However, when something happens at Tech, it’s open season. To all the inbreds, the GATORS OWN YOU!!!