Memphis Basketball Recruiting Scandal Endangers Record Season

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According to a report in the Memphis Commercial Appeal, the NCAA has accused the University of Memphis men's basketball team of major recruiting violations during the 2007-08 season.

The NCAA is accusing Memphis of "knowing fraudulence or misconduct"stemming from an SAT exam of a basketball prospect. It is believed that someone wrote an SAT exam on behalf of the prospect. The player, who has not been named, went on to play for the Memphis men's basketball team for just the 2007-08 season, including the Tigers' run during the NCAA March Madness tournament. 

The player has denied the accusation, according to university personnel. Although the player was not named, many believe that the only person who fit the description in the report is current Chicago Bull Derrick Rose, since he was the only freshman who played the Tigers during 2007-08 season alone.

If the allegations are corroborated, Memphis may have to forfeit their 2007-08 season, the best season in team history.  That year the Tigers racked up 38 victories and made it to the National Championship game. 

According to the report, the current team will likely not face any kind of sanction, nor will Calipari who is now the head coach at Kentucky.

You can download the NCAA document accusing Memphis Basketball of recruiting violations here.