The University of Tennessee football program is under investigation.
Former Northern Illinois head coach Joe Novak currently serves on the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions.
Novak discussed Tennessee’s investigation with Vols Wire, providing his opinion on the matter.
“Schools are NCAA members, so if they find a violation on campus, they are obligated to turn themselves in,” Novak told Vols Wire. “Since this thing is so public, I am sure the NCAA is aware of it. Technically, Tennessee has an obligation, after they review it, if they find that there are violations, they are obligated to turn themselves in.”
One day following alleged wrongdoings within the program, the Vols accepted a bowl invitation to play in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. Tennessee will play West Virginia on Dec. 31 in Memphis.
Novak discussed how if a school, such as Tennessee, that has alleged wrongdoings being conducted, it would not be wise to play in a postseason game.
Tennessee’s plan to compete in the postseason, showcases a perception that there are not any wrongdoings within the UT program.
“With a school, when they know they are guilty, what they will do is penalize themselves, and they won’t go to a bowl game,” Novak said. “If they are guilty, that is going to be one of the penalties anyway, so they are just getting ahead of the game. They are trying to make themselves look good in the end with the NCAA by self-penalizing.”
When it comes to allegations about recruiting wrongdoings, without having anything clear-cut on the record, Novak discussed how coaches and employees within a program can be crucified by anonymous claims.
“The internet now-a-days has caused so much chaos, so much rumors, so much conspiracies out there,” Novak said. “Unless they know for sure that there are violations — just cause — a chance to be heard (is needed) before everyone is crucified.”