Fiesta Bowl Receives Probationary License Back From NCAA

The Fiesta Bowl has been dodging bullets left and right this offseason and has survived the storm relatively scot-free. On Wednesday, the NCAA granted the Fiesta Bowl's license for 2012, though it did come with a probationary period. If bowl officials stay out of trouble and complete the requirements set forth, the Fiesta Bowl should live to fight another day.

The ruling, handed down for both the Fiesta and Insight Bowls, requires officials to meet with the NCAA Bowl Licensing Subcommittee in 2012 to present its progress report and detail the management changes put in place in the aftermath of this year's investigation. While the committee was troubled by the allegations, it was comfortable enough with the plan Fiesta Bowl officials presented to re-license it for this coming season.

"The subcommittee was greatly concerned with the apparent lack of oversight and integrity associated with previous Fiesta Bowl management," said Carparelli. "Considering the business model changes and new direction of the bowl, along with the actions from the BCS, the subcommittee felt comfortable with reaffirming the Fiesta and Insight licenses on a probationary status."

After all the investigations and allegations, the Fiesta Bowl is back and ready to rumble again as part of the BCS, as long as officials keep their noses clean while on probation.

For more local perspective on the bowl's future, visit SB Nation Arizona.