University of Florida President John Lombardi is optimistic his school will escape the "death penalty" after the NCAA charged major rules violations in the Gators' basketball and football programs.
The violations, which NCAA investigators blamed on a lack of "institutional control" at the school, were listed in an official letter of inquiry to the university, which has been under NCAA investigation for nearly a year. Most of the allegations had been previously publicized."These are major allegations and they are serious ones," Lombardi said Tuesday. `But by and large, we're in agreement generally with the items. There may be some issues that need to be refined, focused and sharpened, but, generally, there is agreement."
The case could lead to the death penalty for the Gators since their football program was placed on probation in 1984. Schools guilty of major violations twice in five years can have their football or basketball programs shut down for up to two years.
The allegations announced Tuesday consisted of six substantive charges - three each against the football and basketball programs.
The NCAA also alleged two charges of unethical conduct - one each in football and basketball - and listed two charges against the university for lack of institutional control and compliance.