How Memphis’ NCAA infractions case will work, who will decide the outcome
The NCAA and University of Memphis entered uncharted territory Wednesday.
For the first time, a college athletics infractions case will be handled via the Independent Accountability Resolution Process. It will be investigated by the Complex Case Unit and an outcome will be determined by the Independent Resolution Panel — both groups with no current ties to the NCAA or any of its member institutions, including Memphis.
The standard process relies on schools self-reporting and self-investigating with investigation by the NCAA in some cases.
The new option was adopted in August upon the recommendation of the Rice Commission on college basketball. The commission contended the NCAA’S existing investigation and enforcement structure was vulnerable to hostility and resentment due to perceived conflicts of interest because it is made up of high-ranking administrators (such as athletic directors, commissioners, etc.) from member schools and conferences.
Only select, highly complex cases will go the route of the IARP. But they will only be taken up if the Infractions Referral Committee accepts the request of the member institution, the NCAA’S vice president of enforcement (Jon Duncan or his staff), or the chairman of the NCAA’S Committee on Infractions, Greg Christopher.
There is a five-member oversight committee: Atlanta Hawks co-owner Grant Hill, former U.S. surgeon general Vivek Murthy, University of Kentucky president Eli Capilouto, Texas State University president Denise Trauth and former White House chief of staff Denis Mcdonough. The theory is this process removes any perception of or potential for bias by that committee appointing the 15-member IRP.
Each case will be handled by five members of the IRP, who will conduct hearings, decide whether violations occurred and hand down penalties.
Here is a look at those who make up the IRP.
Jodi Balsam