The NCAA did set a precedent in this case, though, by following through on its intention to hold head coaches responsible for the misdeeds of their staffeven if the head coach is unaware of the violations.
Kelly, the NCAA says, was unaware that former scouting service owner Willie Lyles was funneling players to Oregon, giving them money on occasion and paying for things like lodging. Former Oregon assistant director of operations Josh Gibson was also given a one-year show-cause order.
Gibson, the NCAA contends, knew of Lyles' involvement, including providing training and lodging for a recruit before the US Army All-American events. Gibson routinely told Lyles to have recruits contact Oregon coaches. Gibson and an Oregon assistant coach went as far as to ask Lyles' "assistance in facilitating a prospect's taking of the SAT."
Kelly was accused of a failure to monitor the program as it pertained to recruiting, but he essentially walks away a free man.
Tennessee, Cal, LSU and Texas A&M are among the programs that have also previously had involvement with Lyles. None were a part of the investigation into Oregon, Sankey said.
