As a result of rules infractions, including the use of 44 ineligible athletes across 10 sports in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic years, Shepherd University has been assessed penalties by the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) Committee on Infractions.
Shepherd self-reported infractions to the NCAA in the fall 2023, leading to an investigation that discovered the 44 athletes had either practiced or participated in 265 contests and an additional 15 in the postseason during that time. The athletes also received actual and necessary expenses and/or financial aid while either ineligible or not certified.
“We communicated with the NCAA immediately when we learned about these infractions,” Shepherd University President Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix said. “I am grateful to our current administrators in the athletics department for working with our legal counsel and the NCAA on completing a thorough review and in establishing renewed policies and practices to maintain the integrity of our athletic programs.”
In an agreement between Shepherd and the NCAA, the university was assessed the following penalties and corrective actions:
- 2 years of probation.
- $5,000 fine.
- Vacation of team and individual records in which student-athletes competed while ineligible.
- The University must provide written monitoring reports to the NCAA.
Additionally, prospective student-athletes are to receive written notification that Shepherd is on probation as well as the reasons for that before an official paid visit to campus or before signing a financial aid agreement while being recruited for 10 sports: baseball, football, men’s basketball, men’s soccer, men’s tennis, softball, women’s basketball, women’s cross country, women’s lacrosse and women’s tennis.
The Rams’ football program won 13 games and advanced to a national semifinal in both 2021 and 2022.