Download the Oct. 2021 Mercer University Public Reprimand Letter
Mercer has received a public reprimand for its release of a statement prior to the conclusion of the infractions process because that statement violated NCAA public disclosure rules.
On Sept. 30, the Committee on Infractions was scheduled to hold a press call to discuss its findings in the Mercer infractions case. Prior to that call, the school released a public statement, in violation of NCAA rules—adopted by NCAA member schools—that specifically limit public announcements and disclosures related to infractions cases.
"Failure to meet these requirements undermines and inhibits the [committee's] ability to effectively manage and resolve its case docket and ensure the professional and civil decorum of all parties appearing before it," said Dave Roberts, chair of the Division I Committee on Infractions and special assistant to the athletics director at Southern California.
The committee expressed concerns about factual inaccuracies included in the school's original statement but noted that Mercer promptly acknowledged the violation and implemented corrective measures.
The committee also cautioned that while Mercer's additional penalties would be limited to a public reprimand, future violations of public disclosure rules in infractions cases may be met with more significant penalties, including extensions of probation or additional fines.