Missouri given 1-year postseason ban after tutor did coursework for athletes

The Missouri football program was handed a postseason ban for the 2019-20 season, a reduction in scholarships, three years probation, and other penalties after the NCAA found that a former tutor completed coursework for 12 student-athletes at the school.

The NCAA's discipline includes a 2018-19 postseason ban for the baseball and softball programs at Missouri, which feature athletes whose coursework was completed by the tutor.

The statement from the NCAA reads:

A former University of Missouri, Columbia, tutor violated NCAA ethical conduct, academic misconduct and academic extra benefits rules when she completed academic work for 12 student-athletes, according to a Division I Committee on Infractions panel.

Although the tutor said she felt pressure to ensure student-athletes passed courses, according to the committee’s report, the investigation did not support that her colleagues directed her to complete the student-athletes’ work.

In its decision, the committee stated, "Simply put, 12 student-athletes did not complete their own work." It continued that the tutor engaged in the activity despite receiving extensive and comprehensive education on appropriate tutoring practices.

For most of the student-athletes, the tutor completed online coursework that included assignments, quizzes, or exams. She completed an entire course for one student-athlete and completed portions of a placement exam for two student-athletes.

The football, baseball, and softball programs will all receive a 5 percent reduction in the amount of the scholarships they can hold for the 2019-20 academic year, a seven-week ban on unofficial visits, a 12.5 percent reduction in official visits, and a fine of $5,000 plus 1 percent of the budget for each team.

Additionally, the NCAA will vacate records from all games in which the student-athletes involved competed.