When it comes to athletic scholarship, oftentimes athletes feel or at least act as if they are above the rules. When universities allow coaches and student-athletes to partake in various forms of academic dishonesty, it doesn't just affect those allowing this behavior, but also regular students who don't even care about sports and whom have to obey certain academic policies in order to pass and/or keep their own academic scholarships or just not risk the chance of being expelled.

In recent years, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has been enforcing academic fraud with violations and infractions. The NCAA themselves are responsible for the punishment of academic dishonesty within college sports. However, schools themselves are held accountable for allowing misconduct or not working to deter them from occurring in the first place.

Fairness & Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct not only is unethical regarding student-athletes, as they don't get the proper education allowed to them and doesn't teach them core values, but also to the students who pay for these programs with their tuition who do follow academic integrity policies. Universities need to understand that money isn't more important than the academic wellbeing of students who attend NCAA colleges and beyond. The reality is that many student athletes work toward degrees that may not allow them a career in the future, so they aren't invested in their education. Universities should do more to counter this mindset.

Consequences for Academic Misconduct

The rules are adopted by the Council of the division within the NCAA. These rules are meant to establish clear guidelines for academic integrity issues. These standards should help with accountability that begins first with a school. The rules state that a school must maintain and adhere to written academic integrity policies for the entire student body. If a student athlete violates one of these policies, he or she receives a NCAA academic misconduct violation. This remains on their record and allows the student to be ineligible to compete. It's important to note that some misconduct may not violate a school's policy, but NCAA rules, which can result in violations and infractions, too.

Speak to a Student Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you or your student athlete have been accused of academic misconduct, student defense attorney Joseph D. Lento can help represent and advise you through investigations, disciplinary hearings, and appeals. In order to learn more about best steps forward, contact his office today to schedule a consultation. During this important conversation, you can discuss your case and ask any questions you may have about the future process.