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
UGAX
July 14th, 2011
4:13 pm
I’m not GT fan by any stretch but this is ABSURD! The NCAA is a joke. They nail GT to the wall for $312 but do nothing to Auburn / Scam Newton or Ohio State?. What a bunch of hypocrites!
Dang!!
July 14th, 2011
4:14 pm
RELAX TECHIES, IT WAS ONLY AN ACC CHAMPIONSHIP, ANYWAY.
RiffRaff
July 14th, 2011
4:14 pm
Seems a little harsh. I can see punishment, but taking away something they did earn – the 2009 ACC champions?? Too much.
B
July 14th, 2011
4:15 pm
–Get back to World of Warcraft, nerd–
is mostly right, the 312$ violation is a minor violation, if Tech had declared the players ineligible, they would probably been reinstated somewhat quickly. The failure to cooperate, and completely ignore the Compliance directive of how to handle the interview of player #2, is what became a more serious issue, and the fact that they were already on probation… you add all that up, and Tech is getting what they asked for.
SEC where overSigning Eliminates Competition
July 14th, 2011
4:15 pm
Punishment seems excessive. At this point we should all feel like James Harrison.
Hairy Dawg
July 14th, 2011
4:17 pm
Ohio St. will get at least what USC got. The NCAA isn’t done with the Buckeyes. Not by a damn sight.
Richardson
July 14th, 2011
4:17 pm
Roaddawg = redneck, redneck, redneck. Ga fan calling African Americans “colored”? Seriously? I’d rather be a nerd
Whatever
July 14th, 2011
4:17 pm
$312. The NCAA is a racket!!!
BL
July 14th, 2011
4:18 pm
As neither a UGA or Tech fan, I am surprised UGA fans have this many jokes since Coach Richt has had his own parking spot at the Athens-Clarke jail for the last 2-3 years.
Honolulu Dawg
July 14th, 2011
4:18 pm
4 years for $312. Nothing for $180,000? NCAA is a joke. AuBARN is getting the death penalty when the NCAA crashes down on them. I would rather have AU to fall on its face than GT.
juvenal
July 14th, 2011
4:19 pm
got an ACC in ‘90, co-ACC,in, what,’99?……so much guilty until proven innocent with this modern trial by media system,but looks like should have held the guy out(till he sued his way back, like houston)-if part is basketball, refuse to pay hewitt, it’s all retro-active in these things, evidently……..still, folks get off for hiding their kids dying, hard to get a scale to measure this stuff with….
RedandBlackDAWG
July 14th, 2011
4:19 pm
Scam,
The jury is still out. No verdict has been rendered yet in the investigation or the case that may result from it. Tech. got caught and treated the way they did by the NCAA, because they were not truthful and tried to cover it up. Wait until you see what OSU errr excuse me THE OSU, gets since they did it on a much larger scale.
Harvey D. Pooka
July 14th, 2011
4:20 pm
Okay, gentlemen. Rules are rulesl, but what was reported as being violated are not only silly, nit-picking situations but are so antiquated that they should have been repealed 50 years ago!
This is supposed to be major college ahtletics. In a major, world renkowned city. Gee, if you include appitizer, dessert, and after dinner drink, a ball player and his date could exceed $312.00 meal. Are we going to punsh them for accepting a dinner invitation next?
51-7
July 14th, 2011
4:20 pm
they only took away an ACC championship…..those things are worthless anyway
Gator Rick
July 14th, 2011
4:21 pm
UGA doesn’t have any championships to forfeit
Facts
July 14th, 2011
4:22 pm
Here’s a little analogy
Georgia tech : nerds :: U[sic]GA : rednecks
I’d rather be a nerd
Cohutta Dawgman
July 14th, 2011
4:22 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The best part?
Auburn is next!
Fred1new
July 14th, 2011
4:22 pm
Thanks for the dose of (neutral) reality, BL.
Gator Rick
July 14th, 2011
4:22 pm
And I wear pink underwear and love men!
Jacket Man
July 14th, 2011
4:23 pm
ATLANTA – The National College Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Committee on Infractions has found the Georgia Institute of Technology men’s basketball and football programs have committed violations of NCAA regulations.
The Institute was cited for a lack of cooperation during the investigation, a failure to meet the conditions and obligations of membership and preferential treatment violations. There were additional violations in the men’s basketball program related to rules stemming from a nonscholastic basketball tournament conducted on the Institute’s campus, which the public report further details.
“Georgia Tech is committed to the integrity of its athletics program, including full cooperation and support of the NCAA,” said Georgia Tech President G.P. “Bud” Peterson. “Given the information we had at the time, I believe we took reasonable and appropriate steps to determine the proper course of action and acted in good faith. Looking back, there are things we could have done differently. Because of our unwavering commitment to NCAA compliance, we have already taken a number of steps to address perceived shortcomings, hopefully ensuring that our programs remain beyond reproach.”
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.
As a result of this exhaustive review process and because of Georgia Tech’s steadfast commitment to compliance, the Institute completely revamped and enhanced its athletic compliance operation and staffing. Changes include a greater investment in experienced staff, training and awareness among staff and student athletes.
Penalties include:
• Public reprimand and censure.
• Four years of probation from July 14, 2011, through July 13, 2015. The report further details this probation.
• A $100,000 financial penalty.
• A reduction of two men’s basketball recruiting days during the 2011 summer evaluation period (self-imposed by the Institute).
• A limit to 10 official visits for men’s basketball for the 2011-12 and 2012-2013 academic years.
• A vacation of all contests won by the football team during the 2009 season after November 24, which is when the university was alerted to the potential eligibility issues.
The Institute is considering options including whether to appeal the NCAA decision.
“I want to reemphasize Georgia Tech’s unwavering commitment to compliance and our commitment to the conditions and obligations of membership of the NCAA,” said Peterson
Spike
July 14th, 2011
4:23 pm
Boy, for a bunch of people that are supposed to be so smart, you guys look like a bunch of dunces with reading and following rules. Snicker, ya’ll deserve this. I hope CPJ doesn’t want to punch them in the mouth.
Scam
July 14th, 2011
4:23 pm
@ concrete pete…they took away our championship (also called winning) which is exactly what they’ll do to awwwwbuhn…as dead as toomers corner
russ
July 14th, 2011
4:23 pm
so whats worse? the 312 that D Thomas took? or the drive ending / game ending drop on that out route against UGA 2 yaers ago?
Apples & Oranges
July 14th, 2011
4:23 pm
Is a used Georgia football jersey worth $312.
Spike 80DF
July 14th, 2011
4:24 pm
Gator Rick, I found your vid on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JZVbanZWsE
UGAX
July 14th, 2011
4:24 pm
Hairy Dawg- I agree that Ohio State will get same punishment as USC, Auburn will get worse. The problem is the NCAA waits two – three years later before they bring down the hammer. I believe they do this with programs like AU, Ohio State, and USC, because they generate so much money for the NCAA. A program like Georgia Tech or North Carolina football does not.
As far as the death penalty, the NCAA will never give another prominent program the death penalty. They learned their lesson(s) from SMU death penalty (watch ESPN 30 / 30 program on SMU) and lost way too much money. At any rate, the NCAA is a joke who sells out to the highest bidder!
DIT
July 14th, 2011
4:25 pm
I’m not going to gloat over this. I feel for the tech people. A very steep penalty because of a few people not wanting to go by the rules AFTER they were warned. I feel that there has to be more to it than this to get hit this hard.
I feel for y’all. It stinks
UGASlobberknocker
July 14th, 2011
4:25 pm
Self righteousness bites you Techies right in the arse. Turns out Tech isnt holier than thou. hahahahahahaha
If they are so smart over there, how do they keep doing such dumb things? I think maybe all of the muggings and assaults on campus have made Tech lose concentration..after all, what is a t shirt when students are getting pistol whipped in their dorm room?
Garth W
July 14th, 2011
4:26 pm
Heisman, Alexander, Dodd (Fulcher and Curry, and even Gailey – yes, this can’t be blamed on Gailey) did it with integrity and not a hint of misdoings – perceived or otherwise. It was the best of times….. let’s work toward getting back to those standards and ethics.
Dan
July 14th, 2011
4:27 pm
So typical of the Nerds that they get caught cheating and don’t think it’s that big of a deal. Tech Lies and Cheats!
UGASlobberknocker
July 14th, 2011
4:28 pm
It must be demoralizing for Tech. They cant even cheat correctly…then they cheat and still suck. Obviously someone in the AD dept needs to go down to Auburn and ask for cheating tips…at least when Auburn cheats, something comes out of it.
DIT
July 14th, 2011
4:28 pm
I have to admit, the comment of CPJ “punching himself in the mouth” was pretty funny!
james
July 14th, 2011
4:29 pm
YAWN! I’m getting so drowsy now from pure apathy and boredom. Who really cares that Tech won a high school championship in the first place. Its that much more insignificant that they can no longer recognize said high school championship…..Oh, wait a minute, you say the ACC is actually affiliated with the NCAA? Oh sorry, must have slipped my mind.
UGASlobberknocker
July 14th, 2011
4:30 pm
Does this mean that Tech can just forget about that asswhuppin Iowa put on them in the Orange Bowl, too?
I NEED TICKETS
July 14th, 2011
4:30 pm
I need game tickets for GT vs. UGA in Atlanta. Anybody Tech fan selling tickets?????? I have a family of 4 UGA fans wanting to go.
Dr. Love
July 14th, 2011
4:30 pm
This reflects very poorly on us. It is not the crime but the cover-up. Our leadership is at fault and has left us looking dirty – partly because we are. GA Tech is better than this and deserves better from its coachs, AD and players. Today is a dark day to be a Yellow Jacket, but I still love our beloved institution. Cheating is never right though – whether at basketball, football or video games.
slippery slope
July 14th, 2011
4:31 pm
Now Auburn will have to vacate the SEC title.
Tech fan
July 14th, 2011
4:32 pm
@ I need tickets
.that is the one tech game you wont be able to walk up the day of the game and get tickets on the 50 yard line. Since the stadium is half full of Ga fans..any other game…no problem..plenty of sections still available
NOTE: wear a bullet proof vest
warped eagle
July 14th, 2011
4:33 pm
word up – unfortunately, auburn is next .. the field marshalls are just getting the case ready to present
Alabama Jack
July 14th, 2011
4:33 pm
Darn, I knew this exposure to UGA once a year was gonna come back to bite our butts. We should drop them from our schedule and add North Carolina, no wait, we already have them, maybe Auburn or Ohio State.
CBS
July 14th, 2011
4:33 pm
Coach Mike Leach is available for GT.
joe suggs
July 14th, 2011
4:34 pm
I am a UGA fan. However these penalties are excessive !
RiffRaff
July 14th, 2011
4:34 pm
Spurrier talked about giving players $300 per game out of his own pocket. Seems on the surface not a bad idea. But when you think about it, how many coaches / programs would end up abusing it??
james
July 14th, 2011
4:34 pm
If the Tech Athletic Department is looking to clean house over this incident, I hear there’s a top notch labor pool of former APS system teachers available.
David Lord McLeod
July 14th, 2011
4:34 pm
Georgia Tech is NOT a university, Doug. It is an Institute.
marcus
July 14th, 2011
4:34 pm
first the atlanta school fiasco and now the preiminent school in the city is being tossed to the wolves. over a paltry 312 bucks. what no cars? no payment to a parent? no houses? i’m sure the fact that tech ain’t doing squat now, has something to do with it. boo the ncaa, i would not want to talk with you either. you think the ncaa did not know about clarett?come on.
Back to Reality
July 14th, 2011
4:35 pm
Reality is tech has a man in space right now…on the other hand uga has about 50 grads involved in a cheating scandal in APS. Who’s higher up on the food chain?
bruce mac
July 14th, 2011
4:35 pm
Cheaters never prosper. What a shame for the Nerds. At least Auburn won something when they were caught cheating. Oh wait, they haven’t been caught yet or at least is is not public yet. “Public reprimand and censure”. I love that part. Does that mean that all you DA Yechsters have to shut your pie hole for one friggin day. How glorious that would be.
Jo
July 14th, 2011
4:36 pm
NCAA lawyers have nothing to do and are bored. Instead of catching real issue, they hunt for $312 items. How much money did that take? Dumba%& lawyers again.
Hammock Napper
July 14th, 2011
4:36 pm
I am taking Herm Edwards advise on not hitting the “send” button. Trust me folks- I am a smiling widely. I did, however, just erase about 300 characters that I had transcribed which induced such intimate and personal joy about this program. Can’t spell Institution without SIN.