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The complaints that Tennessee lodged concerning Connecticut’s women’s basketball recruiting practices were cumulative in nature and not based on a singular, seismic event.
UT filed more than 30 pages of documents with the SEC office during a five-month period in 2006. Everything from newspaper articles and photos to Internet chatroom e-mails were submitted in alleging a pattern of violations. The New Sentinel obtained the information Friday after making a request through the Tennessee Public Records Law..
The material submitted by Tennessee alleges that multiple NCAA bylaws pertaining to boosters involvement, permissible recruiters and offers and inducements, among others, might have been violated.
Among the specifics:
n There are multiple references to the role of former UConn players Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird in the recruiting process.
n Connecticut’s 2005 Super Show, an annual October event that typically draws former players and recruits, was mentioned prominently.
n Although the name was redacted, there’s an apparent reference to then-top recruit Maya Moore’s visit to ESPN. The sports and entertainment network reported last month that UT raised a complaint over a private tour the Huskies women’s basketball office helped arrange in October 2005 for Moore and her mother, Kathryn.
The material gives weight to a comment made by Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma during a press conference last Tuesday. When asked about the series between the two schools ending, he referred to Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt in saying, “She accused us of cheating at recruiting.”
Tennessee opted not to sign a contract sent by UConn last spring, which would’ve extended the series by two seasons.
When reached Friday, Summitt continued her practice of not commenting on the ongoing saga.
Lady Vols athletic director Joan Cronan issued a statement that said, “We supplied the requested documents under the Freedom of Information Act and have nothing further to add.”
In a letter dated July 27, 2006, Cronan wrote: “From time to time, we have encountered situations related to the University of Connecticut’s women’s basketball program that would seem to be a violation of the rules. On occasion, we have called the compliance office at Connecticut to determine how they do some of the things we had questions about — in hopes that we could do the same thing — only to be told they would get back to us, which never occurred.”
Regarding Taurasi’s and Bird’s activities, UT submitted two newspaper stories in which prospect Caroline Doty described how a conversation in Auriemma’s office with the former UConn stars played a factor in her choosing the Huskies.
There’s another reference to a student-athlete, who’s name was redacted, telling her AAU coach that Taurasi and Bird met her at the door of Gampel Pavilion upon her arrival for the 2005 Super Show and escorted her to the coaches’ office.
A chatroom entry submitted described Bird and Taurasi “schmoozing” with then-top prospect Elena Delle Donne after her visit for a Super Show.
There’s no mention, however, of Bird and Taurasi offering Moore, then a high school junior, a ride to the Naismith Awards event after the 2006 Final Four. Connecticut reportedly had to produce documents proving Taurasi’s and Bird’s whereabouts in April 2006. They were playing with a team from Moscow in the European Championships.
Taurasi was quoted in the Hartford Courant at the time as saying, “When I visit (Auriemma) and I try to do so as often as I can because of all his family did for me when I was there, the only people I talk to are the current players.”
Other Super Show complaints included fans tailoring signs for recruits and then giving them to their parents. Media members interviewing recruits also was submitted.
Tennessee also alleged that former Connecticut players are allowed to practice with the team on a regular, rather than an occasional basis.
In the 2006 letter, Cronan said the information submitted by UT, “comes as a result of discussion among basketball coaches at the SEC Spring meeting, information shared by AAU and high school coaches, prospective student-athletes, as well as numerous other individuals.”
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Comments » 116
CoverOrange writes:
Doldroms? What doldroms? This is getting interesting.
utvol008 writes:
wow 35 pages !
DroopyDrawers writes:
Mcbrimm1998--the clock failed because I wanted it to. Now, take your marbles and go home.
jimr07 writes:
mcbrim--where in that article did you see any reference to internet chat rooms? did you learn to read, if not, i will send you grandchildrens see dick run book. howeve on second thought, that would be way ahead of your ability to comprehend. WHAT AN IDIOT. and i apologize to all idiots.
TropicalFish writes:
>>mcbrim--where in that article did you see any reference to internet chat rooms?
Um... here?
>>The documentation, which was obtained by the News Sentinel after a request was made through the Freedom of Information Act, includes newspaper articles and ***internet chatroom material***
Seems like the Lady Vols have their spies at The Summitt...that'd be impartial journalist Maria Cornelius among others, I suppose...
camoman270#222859 writes:
Man what an issue! Didnt Ucant call the moore issue secondary???
Maybe the other 35 pages = primary?
rusty_shackleford writes:
McOwned is back! Just couldn't stay away from your beloved Vols, could you, goober?
RJ_Vol writes:
Sounds like a little more than the ESPN thing, but I don't know without seeing the document.
volfan#207874 writes:
Hmmm...just wondering...were those 35 pages single spaced and what size font was being used? Now then, Jello Ornery Enema the ball is in your court. What say you now? I have always felt that it was more than a clash of personalities. Fess up Enema... Tell us the "rest of the story."
Einstein writes:
GENO is a ---- ant. I hope he gets his sorry a-- b--- caught in a vise.
tndrum#214683 writes:
The incredible house of basketball success that Joan and Pat have built is massive, unprecedented and amazing. But it is made of glass none the less. If the NCAA finds violations to be worthy of penalty, then they'll hand that down to our friends in Connecticut. And if they do not find much more than a tour of ESPN in the area of violations, then the penalties will be minor. Either way, those of us in the glass house must prepare for the rock throwing to begin. I hope the glass is strong.
abnermc writes:
It is!!!
MrBamSeydu writes:
UCONN cheats and we still win yet another national championship. How do you argue against that one mc-rimjob1998?
BillVol writes:
Aha, I think we know now why Geno had a strangely timed presser the other day. He knows the SH.. is getting ready to hit the fan. He won't last much longer at UConn. Pieces of eight! Go Lady Vols!
drakosben1#216420 writes:
How dare, Tennessee say anything after their clock cheated Rutgers? ESPN will excuse Conn and accuse Tennessee of something.
RockyTop writes:
I don't remember seeing the clock playing anyone. Rutgers had a chance to play us again, but they didn't make it that far. I guess that was the clocks fault too.
OldNumber7 writes:
Folks/children, internet chatroom material can be used against someone to convict a felony - I wouldn't knock it as garbage. But, nothing has been revealed - I suggest you end the bickering and wait for more info.
BleedOrange writes:
Blah, blah, blah.....Seriously, when the main sport at your school is women's basketball it is time to pick a new school. IT'S FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE!!!!!!
DroopyDrawers writes:
ESPN reports that they requested the FOIA.
ESPN:
ESPN had requested the Tennessee complaint in March under the Freedom of Information Act. Tennessee released the information Friday.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
This just in - Tenn has been penalized for upsetting Geno.
The Lady Vols are forced to ship a 55 gallon drum of pomade to UConn.
With a foot pump....
volfan#207874 writes:
Whoooeee! It is getting rough in here! My mama always told me that when things got rough and out of hand, that I was to leave immediately and come home...(er...er.. gulp...has anyone seen my britches?)
MrBamSeydu writes:
mcrimjob1998: the clock issue was regular season, just for arguments sake I'll give Rutgers the W and UT the L. soooo where were you guys at when we were waiting for you in the final game??? oooh that's right!! you got drilled by the Stanford team that WE drilled 2 days later!! 8 national championships without cheating... you guys are behind by 3 WITH cheating. way to go!
slambob2#228938 writes:
Whether they cheated or not doesn't really matter. What does matter is that Pat is far and away the best ambassador for the sport and she's head and shoulders above Geno or any other women's coach.
The funny thing is, UT plays everybody who's anybody in basketball while UConn takes on Infirm U and chubby tech (outside of a great Rutgers team). The point is, the loss of that series kills Uconn, but doesn't affect UT that much.
It could even mean the UConn won't be on TV and won't land the big recruits without some ES** help. :)
slambob
cdldoc#211897 writes:
Is UConn in Alabama? This cheating school belongs in the cheating state.
BigOrangeVol writes:
As I've been saying all along... Pat shut the UConn contract down because of their questionable recruitment of Hunter, Houston, Charles, Moore, Doty and Delle Donne; the ESPN thing is just the tip of the iceberg.
Guys as far as the chat room thing is concerned; please read it again! It clearly states that "photos to Internet chat room e-mails were submitted in alleging a pattern of violations."
It said nothing about using chat rooms as a source for facts nor internet chat room material, just photos to chat room emails. Obviously the photos were used in conjunction with other evidence to validate and document it thoroughly. A picture is worth a thousand words!
MillisaAnn writes:
I agree cdldoc. Hey wonder if Spurrier is giving Auriemma tips on cheating?
pendav#661488 writes:
Hey, UT fans -
Uconn has been recertified by the NCAA(April 25, 2008), affirmation that the institution operates its athletics program in conformity with the operating principles adopted by Division I membership.
Similar to the reaccreditation process for its academic operation, NCAA certifications are conducted on 10-year cycles. Uconn last went through the process and was certified in 1998.
The NCAA site visit team FOUND CONFORMITY TO NCAA RULES AND REGULATIONS 'IN EVERY IMPORTANT AREA.'
UT has an excellent coach & excellent program. No one from CT ever doubted that. However Uconn also has an excellent coach & excellent program.
CASE CLOSED.
drakosben1#216420 writes:
now u conn's got something to prove. Instead of fessing up, they'll now all want revenge.
pendav#661488 writes:
The full article from UConn's website:
Part I (too long to put on in one piece)
UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT CERTIFIED BY NCAA
STORRS, CT (4/25/08) The University of Connecticut has been recertified by the NCAA, affirmation that the institution operates its athletics program in conformity with the operating principles adopted by the Division I membership.
Similar to the University’s reaccreditation process for its academic operation, NCAA certifications are conducted on 10-year cycles. UConn last went through the process and was certified in 1998. Also similar to reaccreditation, the certification follows a comprehensive, year-long self study of the division’s operations, a site visit by a peer review team, a NCAA certification committee’s review of the self-study, and a report by the peer review team.
The self-study includes a review of these primary components: governance and commitment to rules compliance; academic integrity; equity and student-athlete well-being.
Ronald Schurin, an associate professor of political science and former executive special assistant to then-President Philip E. Austin who chaired the self-study committee, said the division (and the University)did well virtually across the board.
“We’re blessed in that we’ve been successful on the field while operating a program that is integrated into the mission of the University,” Schurin says. “We have winning teams and we do well in all the important areas. This is a tribute to both the institution’s commitment to the integrity of the program, and the dedication of an exceptional staff and outstanding student-athletes.”
Schurin made particular mention of the University’s academic support for student-athletes.
“The site visit team and the NCAA itself had real praise for the academic support provided through the Counseling Program for Intercollegiate Athletics (CPIA),” Schurin said. “In fact, the NCAA asked if they could share with other schools the report compiled on the CPIA’s activities.
“We’re also doing well with equity, where we’ve been a national leader in promoting access. And to our gratification, the self-study team found that the institution goes the extra mile in assuring that our student-athletes receive appropriate educational support. We’re very mindful that the emphasis in the phrase ‘student-athlete’ is on the first word of that configuration.”
Schurin said the self-study committee and several sub-committees, which comprised about 60 volunteers, also found conformity to NCAA rules and regulations “in every important area.”
The University has 650 student-athletes participating in 24 intercollegiate sports at the Division I level, the highest level of athletics in the collegiate ranks.
. . . to be continued . . .
pendav#661488 writes:
. . . continued . . .
The UConn article, Part II
“I’m very pleased to learn today that the University of Connecticut has been certified by the NCAA following a full review of our entire athletics program, as part of the NCAA’s ongoing, mandatory, certification process,” UConn President Michael Hogan says. “I’m very proud of our athletics administration and coaches, our student-athletes and the many staff members who do so well representing UConn in intercollegiate athletic competition. The NCAA’s certification is a testament to the quality of our program and the principles that we seek to cultivate.”
“The NCAA certification is a testimony to the commitment of our entire University,” added UConn Director of Athletics Jeffrey Hathaway. “The operating principals that the NCAA requires each member school to follow are a priority to our institution and all who are part of the greater University community. I want to publicly thank the many Division staff members, UConn faculty/staff, campus administrators and friends of the University who participated in this important process. I also wish to recognize our student-athletes and coaches who represent the University each and every day. Their passion and dedication has allowed us to be successful academically, athletically and in the development of outstanding leaders in our communities.”
Thank you for "listening" . . . these are the FACTS, as they are known.
Volfan1 writes:
Gomer mcowned (mcbrim) is a gator, who is obsessed with Tennessee. He longs to be a Vol and continually posts here.
Every post he makes confirms he is owned by the Vols. We don't post on gator sites...but he can't stay away. He's owned by the Vols.
BigOrangeVol writes:
The internet photo thing is butter! All you have to do is Google ANY UConn Super Show photos from 1990-through 2007 and there are violations staring them in the face that were captured for all time and publicly posted by UConn fans in attendance. I feel another Geno rant building! Add the UConn Lady Husky fans to the list already consisting of UT, Pat and ESPN that are all at fault for his cheating. Next week’s “at fault” list will consist of Coach Fulmer, Albert Means, Lynn Lang, Jim Donnan, Rip Scherer, Roy Adams, Ronnie Cottrell , Ivy Williams and Logan Young posthumously.
FROM ESPN:
"Reportedly former UConn players are allowed to practice with the team on a regular, rather than occasional basis … when asked about this issue, the UConn compliance staff has repeatedly either denied or failed to respond as to how this is allowed."
The Tennessee letter stated: "It would appear that the following NCAA Bylaws may have been violated," and cited 11 bylaws including "employment arrangement, offers and inducements and boosters involved in recruiting."
Other material released Friday under the Freedom of Information Act included 32 pages of what Tennessee said was "information that supports the belief that the fans and former elite student-athletes at Connecticut continue to be involved in the recruiting process," and a letter dated Nov. 14, 2006 from Donna C. Thomas, Tennessee's senior associate athletic director who is in charge of compliance, saying, "It would appear that the involvement of these individuals is outside the rules."
With five or six National Players of the Year on the current team those girls may get to play the entirety of their college careers... on PROBATION!
98reax writes:
Good grief!
eb502us#225637 writes:
Some of you people need to take off your orange colored glasses on this one. As much as I want to side with Summitt here,I just can't. The whole thing smells of sour grapes and if UConn cheated, they will ultimately pay the price. It's not like they were negatively recruiting and telling Pat Summitt jokes to all the recruits. I might not have thought this way earlier, but after Pat made the comments prior to the Duke game, that told me all I needed to know about how emotional and trigger happy she gets over things that are totally out of her control. I agree that she should stand up for her players and the program, but the way she's gone about it is just not right. Instead, she should be saying to other teams "go ahead and do anything (legal or otherwise)you can to get an advantage, but it won't matter as we're going to beat you anyway." Instead, she comes off as overly defensive and hostile when no defense was really needed. If UConn did indeed cheat, then the NCAA will take care of that.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
Here is my guess on the topic. UCONN may be 'pushing some limits' and maybe practicing a pattern of slight infractions. They are doing JUST enough to get some big name recruits over UT.
I just wonder if there is something deeper involved, maybe some things that would be harmful to the sport if reported.
Ah, well, it's all good for UCONN; they have more talent on the floor than we do now, and the next couple of years look tough for us.
dopedawg writes:
To be re-certified, does each university do a self-study?? If thats the case, then I am sure every school will be re-certified. "Oh, yes we took a look, and we are doin ok"!! Is that how it works??
CoverOrange writes:
BigOrangeVol, the original article posted said "internet chat rooms" and nothing about pictures.
Overall, if these assertions are true, they seem like minor violations. No cars, no money bags.
Pendav, is that article supposed to indiate that the NCAA has completed its investigation of these allegations? Or a coincidental review?
huntined#565710 writes:
If my memory still serves me correct mcbrim1998 is a big GATOR BOY
If he is still a GATOR leave him alone as he don't have anything going with his 3rd place east football and his no ncaa bid basketball and not sure they still have women basketball
welcome back mcbrim stay in here with winners
Titan writes:
eb - I would hazard to guess that of all the athletic programs that have come under investigation and ultimate penalties, 99% of them have been reported by someone - most likely another school. I don't think the violations are stumbled upon during the course of pendav's "certification". My take is that Pat and UT tried to handle it informally with UConn the way these things are handled in conference. You let the other school know that you think they are over the line. A smart program will take the hint and clean up. UConn apparently chose not to. What comes next is anybody's guess but as far as pendav's "CASE CLOSED" - I think not. I think it has just begun.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Tngeoff - when a greaseball from 800 miles away gets near-300 posts compared to a great Mayo's less than 50, malaise and doldrums have covered the land.
Also, Phil tags along to Wash DC with Summit after giving up 141 to Cal-Bama-Fla. Go figure.
Maybe he was hawking the new no-ring ring 10th.
Summer is here in the Cumberlands.
volfan#207874 writes:
Hmmm...just wondering...is self-studying anything akin to telling the hound dog to guard the smoke house? Or
allowing the cat to "protect" the canary? Also isn't it the DUTY of schools to report infractions that other schools are guily of? If you witness a crime being committed do you turn your head and pretend that it did not happen, or do you come forth to the officials and relate what you observed? Justice will be served...hopefully!
rccheek#205272 writes:
Pendav's lengthy and boring postings report only the results of a routine ten year required 'self study' in which UConn says we have looked at ourselves and we think we are fine. It does not mean that the investigation of the reported violations is over. It is just beginning
abnermc writes:
Awww, pendav is back!!!So everywhere before UCONN was eliminated, BUT nowhere to be found after the nets were cut.lol
Pen, tell us again how uconn is on the rise & UT is falling.Face reality.
Oh, & for everyone's info McWhateverbrim is a huge fan of last night's winner.
invisiblekid writes:
RocketVol, it's a good suggestion but do you really expect many to listen? Seems like the NCAA would have taken some form of action by now if there were any serious questions given they have had the information for nearly two years. None of this changes the issue of Auriemma being an abrasive and rude jerk though.
orange4ever writes:
Don't forget a big cheat'n crybaby.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Well, all we need now is posivol - 12 times -airforce one to go with ol' pendav Tolstoy.
All are welcome.
Free TDTN and where is Vol4Jesus when you need him? Geno needs anger management counseling.
BigOrangeVol writes:
The Courant has printed NOTHING about this latest development. Shocking!
More smoke:
Elena Delle Donne was videotaped making statements about a website in the business of posting player videos to aid their recruitment "there is no evidence to suggest that Ms. Delle Donne received remuneration of any kind, nor is there evidence of permission or consent by the Delle Donne's for the service to use the video to promote or endorse the service." Hmmmmmmm, really?
UConn/Auriemma mysteriously cancelled their basketball summer camp this year alluding only to "unforeseen circumstances" forcing the camp's shutdown. Coincidence? Unforseen as in about to be part of the terms of their probation?
Also, it seems to have been lost in the tirade against Pat but Auriemma's racist rant about minorities with no experience having the edge in hiring is an obvious temper tantrum in reaction to Nikki being hired by UCLA and Niya being hired by Arizona because nobody wants his scrubs Chris Dailey, Tonya Cardoza or Jamelle Elliott. Whaaa, whaaa, whaaa.
I don’t think we need to concern ourselves with the infantile antics of little Geno because he and their corrupt program are about to snap and implode anyway. His Mommy just needs to give him some warm milk, get him in his one-piece Spidey jammies and tuck him into bed for the long summer season.
98reax writes:
Some post above stated '09 Lady Vols have less talent than UC. It's too early to say that, isn't it? We just saw what Pat can do with a team. We've seen it 8 times, actually. I have not seen this group of freshmen play with our upperclassmen. I'm thinking Pat will have them ready to compete by pre-season. I do not doubt her coaching abilities.
So soon you forget the '98 rookies kicking some mighty butt from start to finish. Why not think it will happen again?
We have Cain who has been sitting on the sideline soaking in all that coaching, along side McMahan who has the heart and guts of a champion. Bjorkland will have her super soph shooting touch, and Alex Fuller will be the leader that steps in for Anosiki. I know Pat saw something in Smallbone and I believe she will bring that talent to the forefront by Conference play. How can we not be a solid team?
Besides, the team with the most talent doesn't always win, do they? Especially if they are on probation, wins don't count for much.
jcvol writes:
I say again, 'with this much smoke, there has got to be a little fire!'
Titan writes:
Even with a rebuilt team next year, sometime after Christmas, Pat will soar to heights never seen before - 1000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I only hope it is at home so that TBA can be filled to the rafters. (Of course, the view from the rafters is getting a bit crowded what with all those banners hanging down in the way.) Think Geno will make a congratulatory call or text to Pat's cell phone that night? Probably not.
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