NCAA Infractions Case: Nov. 12, 2024
On November 12, 2024, following a 17-month cooperative process between USC Athletics and the NCAA Committee on Infractions, the COI released a negotiated resolution on a case involving the USC Football program.
Throughout the process, the University collaborated closely with the enforcement staff to establish facts and to self-impose sanctions.
In its decision, the COI determined the program “exceeded the permissible number of countable coaches” when noncoaching staff members provided technical and tactical instruction to football student-athletes during the 2022 and 2023 spring practices.
The violations are as follows:
- Unauthorized coaching by noncoaching staff. Specifically, several analysts provided instruction during practices in the spring and fall of 2022 and the spring of 2023.
- Exceeding the allowed number of countable coaches. A special teams analyst engaged in technical instruction, exceeding job duties.
As a result of these violations, the COI imposed the following penalties:
- One year probation (November 12, 2024 - November 11, 2025)
- A $50,000 fine
- A reduction of allowable practice hours by 25 hours during the 2023-24 fall season (self-imposed)
- Restrictions on staff participation in practices and film review prior to the final contest of the 2024-25 season
In its ruling, the committee highlighted USC’s prompt acknowledgment and acceptance of responsibility for the violations, the self-imposition of meaningful corrective measures, affirmative actions to expedite resolution through a negotiated settlement, and a consistent history of reporting Level III or secondary violations. The parties agreed that this case should be resolved as Level II – Mitigated for the institution. USC Athletics will continue to enhance compliance education to ensure adherence to NCAA rules.
