NCAA stands behind Emmert after Miami investigation scandal

By Michael Casagrande South Florida Sun Sentinel

5:29 p.m. EST, February 23, 2013

The NCAA is a favored punching bag these days ? not just in South Florida. Critics are calling for all kinds of changes including the ouster of president Mark Emmert.

The NCAA answered back Saturday afternoon.

In a 209-word statement from executive committee chair and Michigan State president Lou Anna K. Simon, the NCAA stood behind its man.

"Mark Emmert was hired to lead a major transformation of the NCAA," the statement read in part. "Much has been accomplished without fanfare, such as academic reforms, enhanced fiscal accountability and organizational transparency. The Executive Committee and President Emmert recognize there is much yet to do and that the road to transformational change is often bumpy and occasionally controversial.

"Therefore, on Friday the Executive Committee unanimously affirmed its confidence in Mark?s leadership as president and its support for his ongoing efforts to implement these essential and historic reforms.?

Simon also stood behind efforts to reform the enforcement process after the NCAA admitted mishandling the Miami investigation. As much as 20 percent of the case was thrown out after enforcement staff members paid the attorney of Nevin Shapiro to ask questions under oath during his bankruptcy depositions.

"In short, we demand the highest level of integrity and accountability not only from our peers but also from the national office," Simon said. "While progress has been made, additional important work remains."

Miami president Donna Shalala has been openly critical of the NCAA twice in written statements released this week. UM was reportedly charged with a "lack of institutional control," when the formal notice of allegations arrived Tuesday.

Shalala is calling for no additional sanctions after Miami self-imposed two consecutive postseason football bans.

Click here for the full statement from the NCAA.

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Source: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/miami-hurricanes-blog/sfl-ncaa-offers-vote-of-confidence-for-mark-emmert-20130223,0,3263815.story?track=rss

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