Harvard Hoops: Inadvertent NCAA violation

Harvard basketball acknowledged an inadvertent 2007 violation of NCAA recruiting policies.

The Ivy League has announced that Harvard will self-impose recruiting limits for the 2010-11 academic year after acknowledging an inadvertent "secondary" violation of the NCAA's policies of recruitment of prospective athletes.  Three years ago, assistant basketball coach Kenny Blakeney allegedly provided improper assistance to the Crimson coaching staff by observing two players who later came to Harvard and made the varsity; at the time, Blakeney had not been officially hired by Harvard. In 2008, the New York Times first reported these activities; however, a subsequent extensive review by the Ivy League cleared Harvard of any improper actions involving recruitment (see Harvard Magazine's reporting from the time here).

Head basketball coach Tommy Amaker issued the following statement: "These events occurred three years ago, and I'm pleased to bring this two-year review to a conclusion.  This extensive and comprehensive inquiry  yielded one minor and unintentional secondary.  We're excited about the  future, growth and development of our basketball program at this tremendous institution."

 

 

You might also like

How Women Are Changing the NBA

From coaching staffs to front offices, female leaders are bringing new strategies to men’s basketball.

How a Harvard Hockey Legend Became a Needlepoint Artist

Joe Bertagna’s retirement project recreates figures from Boston sports history.

Harvard Students, Alumni to Compete at the 2026 Olympics

Six Crimson athletes are headed to the XXV Winter Games in Milano Cortina. 

Most popular

Harvard Faculty Approve a Cap on A Grades

Reforms to reduce grade inflation will take effect in the fall of 2027.

Harvard Holds a Symposium on Antisemitism and Universities

Scholars discuss the paradoxes and challenges that Jews navigate on college campuses.

Harvard Discloses Top Earners’ Compensation

The University files its annual report for tax-exempt organizations.

Explore More From Current Issue

Historical scene in colonial Boston depicting British soldiers confronting civilians, with smoke rising, in a city street.

Houghton Library Displays Revolution-era News and Propaganda

A new exhibit reveals how early Americans learned about the war.

Three joyful graduates in caps and gowns celebrate together outdoors.

Your Harvard 2026 Commencement Week Guide

College reunions and Alumni Day will take place the following week

Illustration of two students in Harvard hoodies, one speaking animatedly to a phone, the other reading, looking annoyed.

We’re All Harvard Influencers, Like It or Not

In the digital age, it’s hard to avoid playing into the mythology.