Memphis NCAA Probation Extended for Academic Violations

The University of Memphis has been placed on two years' NCAA probation and fined $30,000 after former academic counselor Leslie Brooks paid two softball players $550 to complete coursework and provide test answers for a men's basketball player between January 25 and February 18, 2024. The three student-athletes competed in 20 games while ineligible, prompting Memphis to vacate wins from those contests and forfeit 1% of the combined men's basketball and softball program budgets. Brooks received a 10-year show-cause penalty, barring her from NCAA-related activities unless a hiring school appears before the NCAA. University president Bill Hardgrave said Memphis is satisfied with the resolution and has taken corrective measures, while declining to release the student-athletes' names. The penalties stem from seven NCAA bylaw violations and extend Memphis's existing probation for previous infractions. The university cooperated with the investigation throughout the process.