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In a letter to members on Thursday, the NCAA again said it is “actively investigating” alleged violations of its name, image, and likeness policy.
The letter, obtained and published by SI, said it will publicize “any substantiated concerns as soon as possible” — though the NCAA likes to keep ongoing investigations private.
The governing body also asked schools for reporting assistance.
“We understand why coaches and student-athletes are reluctant to provide documentary evidence and details on the record, but it’s critically important in our effort to protect compliant programs,” the letter said. “Candidly, we need these materials because too many NIL arrangements are not made in the sunshine and getting accurate information is difficult.”
Perhaps as an incentive, the NCAA reiterated a previous comment that it would not punish athletes, but instead focus on schools and other “bad actors.”
The NCAA’s short, vague NIL policy attempts to ban deals that could be considered “pay-for-play.” It also bans deals that could be used as recruiting inducements. In a revised policy released in May, the NCAA also clarified that boosters who want to engage in NIL deals aren’t allowed to so much as speak with recruits ahead of them committing.
So far, there is little known about which programs the governing body is investigating — though there are reports of conversations taking place surrounding deals at Miami and BYU.
The only NIL-related punishment to date was handed down to Illinois basketball player Kofi Cockburn, who was suspended one month for profiting shortly before NIL rules took effect.
