George Mason Athletics Announces Level II NCAA Violation
NCAA Release
Fairfax, Va. (September 14, 2021)– George Mason Athletics has announced an impermissible appropriation of financial aid in five sports (a Level II mitigation), which was accepted and released by the NCAA today. A Level II violation involves conduct that is "less than a substantial or extensive impermissible benefit." The athletics department discovered the procedural errors and immediately self-reported to the NCAA. The violation of NCAA bylaws occurred within the following programs: men's basketball (2016-20), women's basketball (2016-20), men's volleyball (2018-19), women's volleyball (2017-19), and women's track and field (2019-20).
The NCAA did not impose any future penalties regarding recruiting, loss of scholarships or postseason eligibility for men's and women's basketball, women's volleyball, and women's track and field.
After an extensive review of the department's financial aid records by the athletics compliance office in the fall of 2020, it was determined that potential violations had occurred. The review found errors in the process of aid distribution between the University's Office of Financial Aid and the Department of Athletics within the five athletics programs.
"The errors, which were essentially communication and process coordination issues between two University departments, were identified this past fall by our head compliance officer, and immediate action was taken to self-report our findings with the NCAA," said Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Brad Edwards. "While we were disappointed that these procedural errors occurred, we have made the necessary modifications to increase our resources in compliance and education throughout our university. Our department will continue to adhere to the university's strong values and standards."
George Mason has worked collaboratively with the NCAA enforcement staff and has accepted the penalties by the NCAA.
George Mason will pay a standard $5,000 fine imposed by the NCAA for a Level II Violation. The NCAA has accepted George Mason's self-imposed penalties and George Mason agrees it will serve one year of probation. George Mason will vacate wins for the four athletic programs in which an ineligible student-athlete participated in a scheduled competition and reduce scholarships in men's volleyball.
