Harvard Basketball Program Exonerated

See the statement issued by the Ivy League on September 3, as well as background links...

See the statement issued by the Ivy League on September 3, as well as background links...

An inquiry by the Ivy League into allegations of improper recruiting and lowering of academic standards by the Harvard men's basketball program—raised initially in a March 2008 New York Times article—has determined that no violations of either National Collegiate Athletic Association or Ivy League rules occurred. All the athletes admitted met the Harvard-specific standards mandated by the Ivy League.

A statement issued by the Ivy League on September 3 appears below. (For background on the allegations, see Questions About Recruiting.)

Ivy League Statement on Harvard Men’s Basketball Inquiry

Princeton, N.J. – The Ivy League has concluded its inquiry into questions raised in a March 2008 newspaper article about possible improper recruiting activity during the spring and summer of 2007, related to Harvard University’s men’s basketball program.

The League has determined that no violations of NCAA or Ivy League rules occurred. Harvard Head Coach Tommy Amaker and Assistant Coach Kenneth Blakeney were completely forthcoming in their participation in this inquiry, and interviews with others who were involved, as well as a thorough examination of relevant records, corroborated that the coaches’ contacts with prospective student-athletes and their families were entirely consistent with NCAA and Ivy League rules.

The March 2008 article also purported to raise questions about the academic credentials of students who might be admitted to Harvard as recruited men’s basketball players in the Class of 2012. The Ivy League routinely reviews the admission of all recruited athletes each year, and in this year’s review concluded that Harvard’s admission of recruited men’s basketball players complied with all relevant Ivy League obligations.

You might also like

Nieman Foundation Names Henry Chu as Interim Curator

Veteran LA Times journalist calls attention to press freedom

Harvard Can Continue Hosting International Students, Judge Says

Trump hints at a possible settlement with the University.

When Code Meets Canvas

In brushstrokes and bytes, a symposium at Harvard explores data, perception, and art.

Most popular

Trump Administration Alleges Harvard Violated Student Civil Rights

In a court filing, the University says government has ignored procedure to “inflict pain.”

John Goldberg named Dean of Harvard Law School

A professor at HLS since 2008, he steps up from the interim role.

House Committee Subpoenas Harvard Over Tuition Costs

The University must turn over all requested materials related to tuition and financial aid by mid-July. 

Explore More From Current Issue

Harvard’s Comedy and Improv Scene

In comedy groups, students find ways to be absurd, present, and a little less self-conscious.

Garber, Trump, and the Fight for Harvard’s Future

Introducing a guide to the issues, players, and stakes.

Harvard Summer Reading Picks | 2025

The wealth gap, shamanism, the life of David Nathan, and more