NCAA investigating Tennessee football for alleged impermissible benefits to recruits

Tennessee football is under investigation by its compliance department and the NCAA for potential recruiting violations.

The season for Tennessee football could be going from bad to worse.

With Vols head coach Jeremy Pruitt fighting rumors about his job security amid another disappointing season for Tennessee football, now comes reports the program is under investigation for impermissible benefits to recruits.

According to Trey Wallace, Tennessee football is under investigation by the university compliance department and the NCAA. Wallace’s report cites sources who say the university’s general counsel began interviewing people at the center of the investigation that dates to the start of the month.

Among those interviewed include linebackers coach Brian Niedermeyer among other assistant coaches, support staff, recruiting department as well as players. It’s unclear which players specifically were interviewed.

Tennessee football under investigation for recruiting violations

Players recruited by Tennessee as well as players on the roster are reportedly behind the alleged violations.

Thus far, the university has only released a statement saying they are looking into the matter.

“In keeping with our institutional commitment to compliance, we often look closely at regulatory issues that are brought to our attention via internal or external channels. Maintaining compliance is a shared responsibility, and active monitoring is part of that process.”

Depending on the findings of the interviews from the compliance department and the NCAA, this could be damaging for Pruitt and the future of Tennessee football. If the program is docked scholarships, it will hurt Pruitt or whoever replaces him in their efforts to rebuild a roster that has woefully underachieved and struggled to compete in the competitive SEC.

Further, any potential postseason ban or additional sanctions would hurt the image and reputation of the program and hurt any potential recruits from wanting to join the program.

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