In a recent announcement, the NCAA has imposed penalties on Arizona State University (ASU) and four former employees for recruiting violations that occurred under former football coach Herm Edwards. The violations included offering recruiting inducements, impermissible tryouts, tampering, and disregard for COVID-19 recruiting restrictions.

As a result, Arizona State has been placed on a four-year probation period by the NCAA. The exact amount of the fine remains undisclosed, but the university has also been subjected to vacating games where ineligible players participated. Additionally, the football program will experience reduced scholarships and recruiting restrictions to prevent further violations.

Furthermore, the NCAA revealed that Arizona State had taken a proactive step in self-imposing a one-year bowl ban last season, as part of their effort to address these infractions. However, for the upcoming 2024 season, the Sun Devils will once again be eligible to participate in bowl games.

The NCAA commended Arizona State for their cooperation throughout the investigation and their willingness to accept responsibility for the violations. Jason Leonard, the executive director of athletics compliance at Oklahoma and chief hearing officer for the NCAA committee on infractions panel, stated, "The school's acceptance of responsibility and decision to self-impose meaningful core penalties is a model for all schools to follow and is consistent with the expectations of the NCAA's infractions program."

Herm Edwards, who currently works for ESPN, was fired from his position as head coach after the Sun Devils started the 2022 season with a 1-2 record. The NCAA found that Edwards had committed a "responsibility violation" in connection with the recruiting violations.

The allegations first came to light three years ago when documents were submitted to the NCAA, outlining the various recruiting violations. These included instances where restrictions during the COVID-19 recruiting dead period were ignored. These violations involved a player's mother purchasing travel accommodations for recruits, staff members providing guided tours to recruits despite campus closure, and a coach conducting player workouts in a park.

No specific individuals were named in the NCAA's report, nor were the details of their punishments disclosed. However, several individuals have agreed to or have contested show-cause orders, which can range from three to ten years, reflecting the severity of their respective violations.

Arizona State president Michael Crow expressed disappointment and embarrassment over the actions of the former football staff members, who used the global pandemic as a cover for their behavior. He emphasized that the COVID-19 dead period rules not only aim to ensure fair competition but also prioritize the safety and well-being of prospective and enrolled student-athletes and their families.

It is important to note that the penalties issued by the NCAA are not the final resolution for these violations. Two individuals connected to the case are currently contesting aspects of their respective cases through a written record hearing. Once this hearing concludes, the committee will release its full decision.

Both the NCAA and Arizona State University have stated that they will refrain from making any further comments regarding this matter.