Update 4:15pm: Here's the University of Michigan's response to the NCAA's announcement. Athletic Director David Brandon says
"There were no surprises and there will be no appeal, because there is nothing to appeal. Effective today, this process is over and done and we can focus all of our time and energy on the future."
Update 3:38pm: The telephone press call with the NCAA just ended. You can hear the 18 minute press call below - or you can download it here.
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/michigan/local-michigan-933202.mp3
3:00pm: The NCAA has announced sanctions agains the University of Michigan's football program.
The case started when the Detroit Free Press reported that players were complaining about exceeding practice times after Rich Rodriguez took over as the new football coach in 2008.
The NCAA case centers on violations of playing and practice season limitations, exceeding limits on the number of coaches, a failure to monitor by the university and head football coach, as well as unethical conduct by a former graduate assistant.
Michigan Radio's Vincent Duffy reports:
The investigation found the football program did exceed playing and practice limits, but said the violations were far less extensive than originally reported.
The penalties are:
- Public reprimand and censure.
- Three years of probation (November 4, 2010, to November 3, 2013).
- Reduction of 130 hours for allowed countable athletically related activity hours in football from June 1, 2010 through the conclusion of the 2011-12 academic year (self-imposed by the university).
- The head football coach must attend the 2011 NCAA Regional Rules Seminar.
Additional details are available in the public report.
