Ducks propose probation for rules broken under Chip







Daily News staff and wire reports








THE UNIVERSITY of Oregon has acknowledged major NCAA violations in connection with football recruiting and proposed a self-imposed 2-year probation with the loss of one scholarship in each of the next 3 years, according to documents released by the school.
The revelations were made in a summary disposition report included in the documents released Monday night.
Oregon and the NCAA have failed to come to an agreement on the matter and the case is expected to go before the infractions committee at some point this year.
The NCAA began looking into possible violations following reports about payments Oregon made to recruiting services, including a $25,000 payment to Willie Lyles and Houston-based Complete Scouting Services in 2010. Lyles had a connection with an Oregon recruit.
The NCAA will not comment on the ongoing investigations.
Chip Kelly was Oregon's head coach from 2009 until becoming the Eagles' coach this year. He issued a statement Tuesday that said in part: "I know we were fully cooperative with all aspects of the investigation and I will continue to contribute in any way I can. But until the NCAA rules on the matter, I will have no further comment."
Later, in a news conference, Kelly was asked if the pending sanctions were a factor in his decision to go to the NFL - a question that came up when the Eagles hired him. Kelly reiterated his contention that the investigation "had absolutely no impact on my decision to leave."
The report included details of Oregon's relationship with Lyles. Following allegations of possible violations in 2011, Oregon released information that Lyles had produced but it was largely outdated.
"There were underlying major violations coupled with failure to monitor violations involving the head coach (2009 through 2011) and the athletics department (2008-2011)," the report said. "While the violations were not intentional in nature, coaches and administrators of a sports program at an NCAA member institution have an obligation to ensure that the activities being engaged in comply with NCAA legislation."
However, the summary disposition also noted no "lack of institutional control," typically one of the most severe charges the NCAA can bring after an investigation of rules violations.