Tennessee Hit with $8M Fine and Show Cause for NCAA Violations

The NCAA Committee on Infractions has fined the University of Tennessee $8 million and placed the football program on probation for five years, while former coach Jeremy Pruitt received a six-year show cause order. The program was found responsible for over 200 individual violations, including 18 Level I violations. The penalties include scholarship reductions, vacated wins, and an independent compliance review each year. The fines are larger than usual to avoid a bowl ban that would affect innocent players and staff. Pruitt provided direct payments to two players, and the program engaged in a scheme to bypass unofficial visit rules. Tennessee will lose scholarships, official visits, and recruiting opportunities. Pruitt's show cause order will suspend him for his first season if he is hired elsewhere.