The Memphis Tigers, especially their men’s basketball program, have come under scrutiny because of persistent compliance problems following recent NCAA punishments against programs like the Navy Midshipmen and UConn Huskies.
Penny Hardaway, the head coach of Memphis, has come under fire for alleged academic and recruiting infractions. An anonymous letter claiming major NCAA breaches in the men’s basketball team, including Hardaway’s personal involvement in such violations, was recognised by the institution in September 2024. This came after three assistant coaches and a special adviser were abruptly fired, casting doubt on the program’s compliance with NCAA rules.
In the past, Hardaway has been a part of NCAA investigations. He received a three-game suspension in 2023 for recruiting infractions and failing to foster a compliance culture. His lack of attention to compliance was criticised by the NCAA, particularly during a time when the program was being investigated for additional violations.
The well-known issue of James Wiseman, a former player whose recruitment resulted in NCAA sanctions, has also been handled by the Memphis program. Due to his charitable connections to Memphis, Hardaway was exonerated of any wrongdoing; nonetheless, the institution was found guilty of several Level II and Level III infractions, which resulted in three years of probation, a $5,000 fine, and a 25% cut to the men’s basketball budget.
On the other hand, the Navy Midshipmen football program has not received any recent public citations for NCAA infractions. The NCAA transfer site has presented challenges for the UConn Huskies, though. Jim Mora, the football coach of UConn, accused rival coaches of manipulating his players in violation of NCAA regulations at the beginning of 2025. Mora underlined his dedication to bringing such practices to light, underscoring persistent issues with the NCAA transfer procedure.
The Memphis Tigers program can face more fines in light of the current accusations and their past NCAA violations. The university’s proactive efforts, such as sharing the anonymous letter with the NCAA and making staff changes, reflect an effort to address compliance issues. However, the combination of previous and current infractions may result in heightened scrutiny and possible sanctions from the American Athletic Conference and the NCAA.
In conclusion, despite the Memphis Tigers’ efforts to resolve compliance issues, the program’s past and current circumstances raise the possibility that it may be the next to be sanctioned by the NCAA. The NCAA’s continuing investigations and the university’s dedication to upholding regulatory compliance will determine the outcome.