Feb. 22, 2008

NORMAN, Okla. -- University of Oklahoma President David Boren announced that he had been notified today by the NCAA that it had reversed the penalty vacating the wins of the 2005 season.  The University will be able to count its eight victories during the 2005 season including the victory in the Holiday Bowl. 

“While we are pleased with the findings by the NCAA Infractions Appeals Committee, we are most pleased for the 100 student athletes and coaches who played by the rules and worked their hearts out for a successful 2005 season,” Boren said.

The Appeals Committee upheld the University’s contention that the 2005 victories should remain intact.  On appeal, OU officials said that erasing the 2005 season from the record books was unfair to the more than 100 student-athletes and coaches who had abided by the rules.  In reversing the penalty, the Appeals Committee specifically noted the immediate actions of the institution upon its discovery of the violations, the institution’s “powerful self-imposed penalty” in permanently dismissing the two involved student athletes, and the institution’s cooperation as significant factors in the ultimate detection of the violations.  

NCAA News Release |  NCAA Infractions Appeals Committee Report (PDF)

Additionally, the NCAA reversed a portion of the failure to monitor finding handed down earlier by the Committee on Infractions while sustaining the rest of the committee’s finding on monitoring and compliance.   “We are committed to continue to work to improve our process in an effort to become a model compliance program using best national practices,” Boren said.

OU head football Coach Bob Stoops cited the 2005 team members and noted their interest in the outcome.

“This decision is a great thing for those individuals involved with our 2005 team,” Stoops said.  “Most of the players on our current roster were not on that team, but I know those victories mean a lot to the players and coaches who were here at that time.”

OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione applauded the NCAA recognition of the university’s response.

“We fully appreciate and respect the process required in these matters,” Castiglione said.  “We are pleased that the NCAA recognized the University’s approach in taking immediate and significant action upon our discovery of the violations and of the work and cooperation of the University of Oklahoma in the ultimate detection of the violations.  We appreciate the processes established by the NCAA and our obligations as a member institution.” 

The Appeals Committee’s decision concludes this matter for both the NCAA and OU.