College Football

Mississippi State football loses scholarships and faces probation, avoids bowl ban

This story from last year is finally over.

By Peter Berkes Jun 7, 2013, 10:44am EDT

The NCAA is finally finished with its investigation of Mississippi State's football program, and the NCAA will accept the Bulldogs' self-imposed punishment of four scholarships lost over two years, along with two years probation, four official visits lost, and no bowl ban.

More: For more on the Bulldogs, check out For Whom The Cowbell Tolls

For those that may not remember, the investigation surrounding the Bulldogs football program goes back to former wide receivers coach Angelo Mirando, who resigned for "personal reasons" after being accused of recruiting violations just ahead of the 2012 season. There were also accusations made by a Memphis 7-on-7 coach, Byron De'Vinner, who claimed he saw a MSU booster give money to a recruit, defensive back Will Redmond, and heard the booster giving or attempting to give extra benefits to other recruits. Redmond eventually spoke with NCAA investigators.

According to the NCAA, a MSU booster assisted Redmond in obtaining a vehicle and provided money on multiple occasions, including $6,000 not to visit another school. Mirando has been hit with a one-year show-cause penalty, essentially preventing him from coaching for a season.

Mississippi State was expected to self-impose some sanctions related to recruiting, but there was uncertainty as to how much more punishment the NCAA would add. Please note: This investigation is not related to the great Cam Newton kerfuffle.