#BREAKING: Mississippi State Football & Men’s Basketball Placed On Probation

STARKVILLE, Miss. (Miss. St. Athletics) – On August 23, 2019, the NCAA announced the conclusion of a negotiated resolution process with Mississippi State University regarding academic violations committed during the fall semester of the 2018-19 academic year.

Below are statements from Mississippi State President Dr. Mark E. Keenum and Director of Athletics John Cohen following the announcement:

Mississippi State President Dr. Mark E. Keenum

“Academic integrity is a core value at Mississippi State and that value guides our policies and decisions. Unfortunately, young people sometimes make poor decisions and those decisions have consequences. When the university learned of possible serious instances of academic misconduct involving student athletes and a student tutor employed part-time by MSU Athletic Academics, we were compelled to remove the student tutor from university employment, fully and independently investigate the matter, and then self-report the misconduct to the NCAA Committee on Infractions. These actions likewise have consequences for the university, but our commitment to operating a competitive athletic program within NCAA guidelines is unwavering – as is our commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in all university conduct.”

Mississippi State Director of Athletics John Cohen

“Our staff at Mississippi State was proactive in our preventative measures, quick to respond, and worked in full cooperation with the NCAA enforcement staff. With all of the compliance training that our staff and student-athletes go through on a year-round basis, it is unfortunate that a student serving as a part-time tutor was able to lead our student-athletes astray. Nevertheless, we take full responsibility for these actions. Mississippi State will work diligently to continue a culture of compliance and continue to take proactive measures moving forward.”

The full NCAA press release is available online here.