Memphis Basketball, Softball Programs Placed on NCAA Probation for Academic Violations

The University of Memphis' men's basketball and softball programs have been placed on two-year probation and fined $30,000 by the NCAA after an investigation revealed that a former academic counselor, Leslie Brooks, paid two softball players a total of $550 to complete coursework and provide test answers for a men's basketball player during the 2023-24 season. As a result, the three players were deemed ineligible and competed in 20 games, leading to the vacating of those games' records. Additionally, Memphis was penalized by losing 1% of the combined budget for both athletic programs. Brooks was fired by the university and received a 10-year show-cause penalty from the NCAA. The infractions came to light after a softball athletic trainer overheard concerns about academic integrity, which were subsequently reported through proper channels. University president Bill Hardgrave emphasized the school's commitment to compliance, and while head coach Penny Hardaway was not implicated, the Memphis program has faced previous NCAA scrutiny under his tenure.