Indianapolis, IN (SportsNetwork.com) - The NCAA has placed the Oklahoma State football program on probation for one year and fined the school for violations involving drug testing and recruitment hosting.
The Committee on Infractions determined the university did not follow its own written policies and procedures for student-athletes who tested positive for banned substances from 2008-12. The school allowed five football players to compete in a total of seven games when they should have been withheld from competition.
Also, the NCAA said the university's Orange Pride program engaged in impermissible hosting activities for prospects' visits. Orange Pride was an all-female group that was organized and directed by the football program.
Additional penalties from the NCAA included the suspension of the Orange Pride program for a period of four years as well as fines totaling $8,500.
The NCAA panel said a potential serious violation of failure to monitor was not established.
Reductions in official prospect visits and coaching evaluations over the next two years, penalties self-imposed by the university, were accepted by the NCAA.
An investigation into the program began after a series of Sports Illustrated articles in 2013 was published with alleged violations of misconduct. The NCAA said it interviewed nearly 90 current and former student-athletes, coaches, staff and boosters, but determined that many of the allegations in the expose were unfounded.
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