Twenty-one months of waiting have resulted in the NCAA Infractions committee giving their ruling concerning the violations committed by the men’s baskeball team from the summer of 2008 to the summer of 2009. They announced today the University of Southern Indiana men will serve a one year probation from Feb. 2, 2011 to Feb. 1, 2012. In addittion to this the athletic department will pay $2,500 in fines. 

“We’ve always respected the process,” said Athletic Director John Mark Hall. “They’ve been fairly thorough and fair.” 

The committee met with university officials back in August to discuss the the recourse of the violations. At that time the committee announced a ruling would be made in 6-8 weeks. When no ruling came, a secondary meeting was arranged for December. Today’s ruling comes on the cusp of that meeting. 

“It [the waiting process] became a little frustrating the longer it went on,” said Hall, “more so because I was unable to give answers to any of you who were asking.” 

Head Coach Rodney Watson was not available for comment as he and his team are on a series of road games. Hall spoke positively, however, of how the team has handled the situation. 

“It’s pretty evident how those kids and the staff have handled it. Considering everything that happened, with the death of Jeron [Lewis] and everything else.” Hall continued, “This could have set our program back years, it has to others, but not ours.” 

The men are cleared to play in the post season. The only punishment they must now serve is the probation and paying of the fine. 

Check back for updates and a more in depth story in the next issue of The Shield.