No, the NCAA lacks jurisdiction

Posted on: February 3, 2017 at 01:29:13 CT

The NCAA's authority over college athletic programs is set forth in its constitution and by-laws. The NCAA does not have the authority to address every perceived wrong in college athletic programs.

If the NCAA takes action against Baylor, it is running the risk Baylor challenging that action on the grounds the NCAA lacks authority. I doubt the NCAA will run the risk of being in Federal Court.

Penn State was an outrageous situation, the NCAA acted very quickly and Penn State chose to not challenge its authority to take action. However, I understand that the NCAA subsequently backed off on at least some of the financial sanctions.

Currently, North Carolina is reportedly considering suing the NCAA in the academic fraud scandal. Carolina is considering taking the position that it, not the NCAA, determines if its courses are legitimate and there's nothing in the NCAA Constitution or By-Laws that gives the NCAA any authority to act in the matter. I.e. schools determine if they courses are legitimate, not the NCAA.

Edited by ScottsdaleTiger at 02:07:15 on 02/03/17