A positive conclusion to our NCAA basketball matter

(NOTE: The following message is co-authored by Chancellor Douglas Girod and Athletics Director Travis Goff.)

Colleagues,

We are writing to share good news regarding our men’s basketball program.

Earlier today, the NCAA’s Independent Resolution Panel issued a positive ruling in our nearly six-year-long infractions case. The Panel confirmed what we’ve said since the beginning: the major infractions of which we were accused were unfounded. Most importantly, the Panel unequivocally confirmed that our coaches were not involved in – or had knowledge of – payments to student-athletes.

While doing our due diligence as part of this process, we acknowledged lesser infractions for which we self-imposed penalties last fall. Regarding the additional penalties announced in today’s decision, we accept them and will move forward.

As we’ve said throughout this process, KU has one of the most robust compliance programs in the country — a point that was confirmed by the multiple comprehensive audits we’ve undertaken throughout this process. Looking ahead, we will build upon our culture of compliance and continue to be a national leader in this space.

We are grateful to the members of the Independent Resolution Panel for their fair review of the facts. We fully support Coach Self and his staff, and we look forward to him finishing his career at KU many years from now. Most importantly, we are pleased that our coaches and student-athletes can now move forward with their Jayhawk careers unfettered by the uncertainty this case has brought.

Last but not least, we want to thank you – our university colleagues – for your support and patience throughout this process. A robust athletics program is central to the success of the entire university, and there continues to be incredible alignment between Kansas Athletics and core units across campus, thanks to the efforts of so many of you. For that, you have our most sincere appreciation.

Respectfully,

Doug and Travis

Douglas A Girod
Chancellor

Travis Goff
Director of Kansas Athletics