NCAA Opens Investigation Into ASU Football Recruiting: Report

TEMPE, AZ — The Arizona State University football team's recruiting practices during the COVID-19 dead period are being investigated by the NCAA, according to The Athletic.

The extended COVID-19 dead period was imposed in March 2020 for all NCAA sports, with a ban on in-person recruiting through the end of May.

The NCAA's investigation centers around whether ASU's staff hosted high school recruits for visits during the period, The Athletic's Doug Haller reported.

NCAA Vice President of Enforcement Jon Duncan acknowledged "numerous potential recruiting violations" during the dead period in a statement sent to media members in January.

“NCAA enforcement staff are aware of numerous potential recruiting violations during the extended recruiting dead period, which was lengthened due to health and safety concerns related to COVID-19," the statement read. "These span multiple sports and include campus visits by prospects that may be impermissible. Because these are time sensitive and unique to the current environment, some of the reported violations have been resolved already. Others are in process. As with any potential violation, we look at the facts and circumstances of each visit to determine appropriate penalties or other next steps. Although outcomes are not always publicized, enforcement understands the significance of these behaviors, and we’re addressing them actively to ensure fairness for schools that are playing by the rules.”

Arizona State University Vice President of Media Relations & Strategic Communications Katie Paquet confirmed to Patch that the NCAA is investigating the school's football program, but declined to comment further.

“ASU can confirm the NCAA is conducting an investigation regarding allegations related to our football program," the statement read. "In accordance with NCAA bylaws, the university cannot provide further comment at this time.”

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