NCAA fines MSU, imposes probation, and vacates wins due to recruiting violations

(FOX 2) - The NCAA has imposed several sanctions against Michigan State University athletics over infractions that link back to a former staff member at the football program.

MSU will be on probation for three years, pay a penalty of $30,000, and have restrictions in place for recruiting violations.

The team will also have its wins vacated because of ineligible student athletes at the school.

What we know:

MSU announced it had reached a resolution with the NCAA and the Division 1 Committee on Infractions after self-reporting alleged violations regarding improper recruiting methods.

"Our compliance systems worked as intended," read a joint statement from the MSU President and Vice President. "Once Michigan State became aware of a level 3 violation, we self-reported and followed all appropriate protocols."

The school blamed previous staff for committing the violations, saying the ex-employees had "arranged for and provided impermissible recruiting inducements and benefits."

The former staff members also allowed "unofficial visit expenses" which included "impermissible contacts" with potential student athletes.

Dig deeper:

The penalties imposed on the school include:

• Three years of probation
• A financial penalty of $30,000 plus 1.5% of the budget for the football program
• Restrictions on official visits, unofficial visits, recruiting communication, recruiting-person days and off-campus recruiting contacts and evaluations over the three-year probationary period
• Vacation of wins due to participation of three ineligible student-athletes
• Show-cause orders for former staff members

What they're saying:

"While we accept the NCAA’s findings and respect the process, we are disappointed in the prescribed penalty related to the vacation of records. We understand that the enforcement process follows established guidelines, but we also recognize the opportunity for continued modernization," said Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., President & J Batt, Vice President and Director of Athletics.