Jeremy Pruitt Files Lawsuit Against NCAA for Recruitment Violations Investigation
On Thursday, Jeremy Pruitt, the former head coach of Tennessee’s football team, initiated legal action against the NCAA. In his lawsuit, filed in DeKalb County, Alabama, Pruitt claims that the NCAA and the University of Tennessee conspired against him, labeling him a “sacrificial lamb” amid an investigation into alleged recruitment violations. He is seeking $100 million for lost earnings due to the alleged misconduct.
Claims Against the NCAA and University of Tennessee
The lawsuit contends that the NCAA, driven by a significant conflict of interest, permitted the University of Tennessee to employ its own legal counsel for the investigation. This setup, according to the filing, aimed to ensure a pre-determined finding that would allow the university to legitimize its decision not to fulfill Pruitt’s contractual obligations, which included substantial buyout payments.
“With a direct financial stake in the outcome, and in the face of a glaring conflict of interest, the NCAA empowered the University of Tennessee to use its own attorneys to investigate the University, including Pruitt,” the court documents state.
Alleged Violations and Investigation Outcomes
Pruitt’s tenure as head coach ended in January 2021 when he was dismissed after an internal inquiry uncovered evidence of recruitment violations. Subsequently, in July 2023, the NCAA Committee on Infractions ruled that during Pruitt’s leadership, the Tennessee program committed over 200 violations, including 18 classified as Level I infractions.
Punishments and Penalties Imposed
Following the investigation, Pruitt received a six-year show-cause order. Tennessee managed to avert a postseason ban, primarily due to its cooperation with the NCAA’s investigation. However, the university faced repercussions including probation, the need to vacate wins, and reductions in scholarships.
The findings revealed that two enrolled players received direct financial support from Pruitt and his spouse. In one instance, a player’s family was paid $7,600 to fund vehicle down payments and rental costs, while another report indicated that Pruitt provided financial assistance for medical bills and travel costs.
Legal Basis and Future Implications
Pruitt asserts that the NCAA failed to afford him proper due process during its investigative and hearing processes. Furthermore, he argues that the NCAA enforced regulations that were rendered inconsequential by a 2021 U.S. Supreme Court decision, which granted athletes the ability to profit from their name, image, and likeness.
Conclusion
This lawsuit marks a significant development in college athletics, as it underscores ongoing tensions surrounding recruitment practices and the authority of governing bodies within the sport. Pruitt’s allegations reflect deeper issues concerning fairness and due process in NCAA investigations, which may resonate across similar cases in the future.