NCAA Findings Show FSU Failed To Monitor Athletes Academic Services

September 12, 2008 1:35 p.m. EST

Tallahassee, FL (AHN) - The NCAA said Florida State University failed to monitor its Athletic Academic Support Services department and took insufficient steps to prevent breaches in a report issued this week.

The controversy stems from the academic fraud resulting from the online music course, "Music of World Cultures" as contained in an internal investigation conducted by FSU.

In its notice of allegations, the NCAA said FSU failed to review reports for the 2006-2007 academic year showing the discrepancy in the grades involving 61 athletes, including 30 football players.

Student-athletes who took the online course allegedly received a higher grade in contrast to non-student-athletes who took the same course.

The NCAA findings indicated two former school employees behaved unethically and one gave one athlete improper help with his academic work.

On the other hand, Florida State has already levied self-imposed sanctions, including the loss of scholarships and suspensions of athletes involved.

FSU submitted its response to the NCAA allegation Wednesday.

On Oct. 18, the NCAA will conduct a hearing to determine if additional penalties will be imposed on Florida State.