Earlier today, and as a result of impermissible benefits being received by at least one player, the NCAA accused Georgia Tech of committing three major violations and slapped the football program with several sanctions, including vacating their 2009 ACC title and placing the program on four years probation.
In their release on the sanctions, Tech stated that "[a]s a result of this exhaustive review process and because of Georgia Tech’s steadfast commitment to compliance, the Institute completely revamped and enhanced its athletic compliance operation and staffing. Changes include a greater investment in experienced staff, training and awareness among staff and student athletes.”
Of course, the release also noted that an appeal of the NCAA’s ruling is an option the school has yet to take off the table, but, aside from that, attrition was the name of the game today for Tech.
“Georgia Tech is committed to the integrity of its athletics program, including full cooperation and support of the NCAA,” said Georgia Tech President G.P. “Bud” Peterson. “Given the information we had at the time, I believe we took reasonable and appropriate steps to determine the proper course of action and acted in good faith. Looking back, there are things we could have done differently. Because of our unwavering commitment to NCAA compliance, we have already taken a number of steps to address perceived shortcomings, hopefully ensuring that our programs remain beyond reproach”
ACC commissioner John Swofford released his own statement addressing the vacating situation involving one of his conference’s member institutions.
“We are aware of the NCAA’s decision with regard to Georgia Tech,” Swofford’s statement read. “The penalties that have been announced will require Georgia Tech to vacate the 2009 ACC Football Championship. Consistent with NCAA procedures, Georgia Tech will return the championship trophy and the official conference records for 2009 will not designate a champion. All ACC record books will be amended accordingly.”