As the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has implemented reforms related to students' names, images, and likenesses (NIL), the organization continues to fail in many other respects. Namely, a “mishmash of rules” means that student-athletes can overstep the NCAA's boundaries without even realizing it.

The academic arena is a gauntlet that student-athletes often struggle with. Many non-athlete university students struggle to transition into rigorous collegiate academic curricula. When you toss in the challenges of day-and-night athletic practices and meetings, it's no wonder why so many student-athletes face allegations of cutting academic corners.

Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or contact us online to learn how we help NCAA student-athletes accused of academic misconduct.

College Athletes Face Greater Academic Scrutiny Than the Average Student

Student-athletes face a two-headed investigative body when it comes to academic misconduct. In part because the NCAA has been caught flat-footed during high-profile cheating scandals, the organization formed an Academic Integrity United in 2016 which claims to “promote and protect” academic integrity.

However, as you may suspect, the NCAA does not always operate fairly and may place its own image over any student's best interests. Student-athletes may face a heightened risk of being accused of academic misconduct because:

• They often spend long periods with teammates, working collaboratively on academic assignments
• They often work with tutors and have access to other academic resources, leaving room for accusations of unauthorized assistance
• They may take many of the same classes as their teammates, creating the potential that teammates might cheat

Unfair stigma still remains that student-athletes are truly athlete-students. This kind of bias can also contribute to baseless claims of academic misconduct.

The NCAA Rarely Shows Leniency When a Student-Athlete Is Accused of Academic Misconduct

Do not buy the dangerous stereotype that student-athletes can simply show up, have the tutor do their work, and play well on game days. The NCAA has proven eager to brand itself as a watchdog, ensuring student-athletes do their own work, and you have much to lose if the NCAA (or your school) accuses you of academic misconduct.

In fact, the mere allegation of academic misconduct may:

• Result in your suspension from athletic activities (which may have immense consequences for your status on the team, reputation, marketability, and career prospects)
• Trigger a formal investigation that could take significant time to resolve (especially if you do not have an attorney from the Lento Law Firm actively pressing for a resolution)
• Threaten your short- and long-term athletic eligibility and scholarships
• Result in long-term financial loss

The NCAA's enforcement approach may even encourage your university to handle your case in a biased manner. The NCAA can slap your program with an Academic Violation if it determines your school did not appropriately handle an allegation of cheating. Therefore, your school might be inclined to discipline you for “the good of the program.”

It is critical that you recognize the NCAA is not on your side, and your school administrators may not provide the support you deserve.

Hire an Attorney from the Lento Law Firm to Find a Resolution with the NCAA

An attorney from our Student Defense Team can assist with both NCAA and school-level investigations. We understand the unique considerations that student-athletes face, and we will defend you with the goal of preserving your academic, athletic, and professional goals.

Definitions of student misconduct are always shifting, and you deserve help when you are caught in the disciplinary crosshairs. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or contact us online and we will reach out to you.