CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Southeast Missouri State University accepts the sanctions announced today by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Committee on Infractions panel in its investigation into the Southeast men's basketball program during the 2015-2016 academic year.
 
"We respect the Committee on Infractions' decision and appreciate they recognized our prompt self-detection and exemplary cooperation through the investigatory process," said Southeast Missouri State University President Carlos Vargas. "I am pleased that immediately upon learning of the potential violation, Head Men's Basketball Coach Rick Ray notified Director of Athletics Brady Barke, and we launched a thorough investigation."
 
Southeast took prompt and decisive actions immediately upon learning of the potential violation, which prompted the institution to launch an investigation and self-report. The case was reviewed through the summary disposition process.
 
The case involved academic misconduct by a former assistant men's basketball coach at Southeast and centered on 1) knowingly arranging for the receipt of fraudulent academic credit for a prospective student-athlete; 2) providing false or misleading information during his interviews; and 3) failure to cooperate with the institution and enforcement staff's investigation.
 
 "Our institution is committed to fostering its culture of compliance, and the actions taken by Coach Ray and our compliance office reflects that commitment. We will not compromise our integrity as we strive for excellence both in the classroom and on the field," Barke said.  "I am proud of the way the situation was handled and believe our commitment to doing things the right way was reflected in our response."
 
"I am disappointed that the actions of my former assistant, whom I chose to retain from the previous staff, has brought unfavorable attention to our University and our basketball program," Ray said.  "The most important attribute I look for when vetting my assistants is integrity, so I was truly hurt that these violations occurred unbeknownst to me and I appreciate our administration's unwavering support."
 
Penalties prescribed by the panel include the following:

• Public reprimand and censure of the University
• A two-year extension of probation from the University's 2016 infractions case involving the women's basketball program, which will conclude on Feb. 11, 2019. The University's previous probation period was to conclude on Feb. 11, 2017.
• A six-year show-cause period for the former coach from March 10, 2017, through March 9, 2023. Any NCAA school employing him in an athletically related role during that time can appear with him before a Committee on Infractions panel to determine if the former coach's athletically related duties should be limited.
• A $5,000 fine (self-imposed by the University).