Several members -- former and current -- of the Georgia Tech community have already come out and expressed their anger over the NCAA’s decision to levy sanctions and fine on the program $100,000 following an investigation into preferential treatment allegedly given to former wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.
Now, the school, as expected, will take action.
Speaking with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, GT associate athletic director Wayne Hogan said it was “virtual certainty” that the university would challenge the NCAA’s Committee on Infraction’s ruling that Tech not only violated major bylaws, but failed to cooperate with the investigation.
“It’s more about the fact that there’s some doors that haven’t been closed in this case, that there is some curiosity as to the severity of the penalties based upon the facts of the case,” Hogan said. “I also believe that this case is so odd and so different from many other cases that we’ve seen, I believe you have to look at this one in a whole different light.”
Tech will have one week to inform the NCAA that they seek a hearing with the Infractions Appeals Committee, and then another 30 days to formulate a formal written appeal. To successfully have the rulings overturned, Tech will have to prove the COI’s punishment “was excessive and is an abuse of discretion”.
“At the end of the day, we want to make sure that we have an opportunity to convey the fact that the institute is an honorable and respectful place,” Hogan said, “and that at some point it’s important to protect that, to protect your image and integrity.”