If you've been kicked off your sports team because of a Title IX accusation, it could seem like you've already endured more than enough of a punishment.

When it later becomes clear that your scholarship is in jeopardy, too, that could completely change the game. Whether your school has insinuated that you could lose your scholarship, has told you point blank that you will, or simply leaving the team makes this a distinct possibility, it's clear that your personal stakes in this Title IX accusation are incredibly high.

Sanctions, Loss of Scholarship, and More: What Happens After a Title IX Accusation?

The unsatisfying answer? It depends.

Let's say that you're an NCAA athlete. After years of less-than-great press, the NCAA recently introduced an expanded sexual misconduct policy requiring all universities to disclose information about their student-athletes and their prohibited behaviors. Penalties for universities refusing to do so involve losing NCAA funding. Unfortunately, the penalty for the involved student may be losing their NCAA eligibility and any associated scholarships.

Under that expanded policy, just being accused of sexual misconduct could jeopardize your scholarship. (The NCAA has a helpful FAQ for student-athletes which does note that being found innocent shouldn't affect your eligibility, but that depends heavily on when your involvement in an investigation is made public.)

Institutional financial aid can also be taken away with relatively little warning; typically, coaches review financial aid packages on a yearly basis for their student-athletes. If you have been involved with serious misconduct over the course of the previous year, your coach could easily reduce or cancel your aid.

However, let's say that the source of your funding is far less regulated. Maybe your high school or a small business in your town promised you a scholarship when you graduated. In that case, the decision to pull your aid is far more personal. It may even simply hinge upon your hometown's awareness of your alleged misconduct.

In any case, managing the progression of your investigation, the narrative around your alleged behavior, and the way your school respects your rights during and after the procedures matters (a lot).

Fortunately, a Title IX student defense advisor will have the specific expertise and experience to help you navigate these complex processes as successfully as possible. With a Title IX advisor on your side, you can craft the most strategic defense possible, pull together evidence to support your side of the story, make sure that your school doesn't steamroll over your rights, and protect your reputation as much as possible throughout complex disciplinary procedures.

If Your Scholarship is at Risk, Call Attorney Joseph D. Lento for Timely Support

Your scholarship is essential for your academic experience. Without it, you may have to seriously reconsider your plans for school (and the rest of your life). Your school knows this. If your school is threatening to rescind your financial support because of your alleged involvement in sexual misconduct, you need to partner with an attorney fast.

The Lento Law Firm is here to assist. Attorney Joseph D. Lento and his expert team can help you protect your rights during your school's confusing disciplinary processes and also with any NCAA student athlete issues that may arise. Contact our team online today or call us at 888-535-3686 for more information.