NCAA finds allegations of Oklahoma State misconduct 'unfounded'

The NCAA has issued a notice of allegations to Oklahoma State, informing the university that allegations of misconduct alleged in a Sports Illustrated series last September were "fundamentally unfounded."

Oklahoma State and the NCAA released a joint statement on Tuesday that said a "thorough review" was conducted by the NCAA enforcement staff and an outside consultant hired by the university. Investigators reviewed approximately 50,000 emails and interviewed nearly 100 individuals involved in the football program, the school said. Those who were interviewed included current and former coaches, administrators, student-athletes, students and prospects.

The NCAA investigation found three Level II violations committed by Oklahoma State, but none were classified as the most severe case, Level I.

Level II violations are described as "Violations that provide or are intended to provide more than a minimal but less than a substantial or extensive recruiting, competitive or other advantage; includes more than a minimal but less than a substantial or extensive impermissible benefit; or involves conduct that may compromise the integrity of the NCAA collegiate model as set forth in the (NCAA) Constitution and bylaws."

Oklahoma State president V. Burns Hargis said of the violations, "During the extensive inquiry, a few situations were identified which led to three allegations in a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA where it appears we may have misapplied our drug testing policy and on-campus recruiting practices. ... The institution will prepare a response to the allegations and appear before the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions in the near future."

Oklahoma State also released its report based the investigation it conducted with The Compliance Group.

The SI five-part series, titled "The Dirty Game," chronicled alleged monetary payments for athletic achievements, improper academic assistance, rampant drug use and inappropriate interaction with recruits.

The magazine issued the following statement: "Sports Illustrated firmly stands behind its comprehensive series on the Oklahoma State program. The investigation by the NCAA and an outside consultant hired by Oklahoma State was limited in scope but nonetheless revealed multiple NCAA violations including a 'failure to monitor.' Nowhere does the report say our work is fundamentally unfounded and in fact it points to its own limitations in its ability to corroborate SI's findings."

"In the aftermath of the Sports Illustrated series, the right thing to do was examine the program," Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy said in a statement.

"I have attempted to operate our program with integrity and have reinforced to our coaching staff the importance of compliance with NCAA rules. If we had any shortfalls, I wanted to know. While I am pleased, but not surprised, that the claims in Sports Illustrated were fundamentally unfounded, we continue to work with the athletics administration to ensure a clear understanding and application of our policies. From the moment I was chosen to coach my alma mater, I have made decisions to create a NCAA compliant environment, while ensuring student-athlete welfare. I love my players and want them to succeed in life by making good decisions and respecting the rules."