La.-Lafayette acknowledges NCAA probe, sanctions itself

The NCAA has accused University of Louisiana at Lafayette football of major recruiting violations.

LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) – The Louisiana Supreme Court has again refused to hear a request to overturn Brandon Lavergne’s guilty pleas to two murders, including that of 21-year-old university student Mickey Shunick… However, in being responsive to a request for public records, the university is releasing the NCAA’s notice of allegations and the university’s response, according to Farmer.

Saunders is now working as an assistant coach in August by Pearl River Community College in Mississippi.

Mark Hudspeth’s Ragin’ Cajuns are being looked at by the NCAA for possible violations.

The university states that it “strongly considered” a self-imposed postseason ban this season, but decided that would be “unduly severe to address violations committed by a single individual that were in no way indicative of systematic, program-wide noncompliance with NCAA rules”. The NCAA charges that the on-site administrator would then complete or alter answers for test participants.

Saunders also is accused of providing $6,500 to prospective a student athlete, who later played at Louisiana-Lafayette, for living and educational expenses while at a two-year college in the spring and summer of 2012.

But UL also said it can not determine if Saunders “orchestrated Crager’s activities” or if he “was aware of the method/means of execution that she or other individuals at WCHS employed to commit the fraud”.

Safe to say, it will be interesting how it evolves from here for the Crown Princes of the Sun Belt Conference…

In response to Daily Advertiser inquiries prior to UL Lafayette’s disclosure, Hudspeth and Cajuns recruiting coordinator Reed Stringer have denied any knowledge of alleged misconduct.

Hudspeth is a former Mississippi State assistant coach (2009-10). Their run since 2011 is the most successful run in school history.

The Cajuns originally announced that Saunders had resigned his post at UL Lafayette for “personal reasons” in early November, but documents show he was terminated October 30. Several months following the hearing, the Committee on Infractions will publicly issue its decision. It was the Cajun’s first bowl game since 1970.