Michigan State football has been penalized by the NCAA for using ineligible players during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, leading to the vacation of 14 wins from those years and the 2024 season. The violation stemmed from the former head coach Mel Tucker's general manager, Saeed Khalif, providing approximately $3,000 for travel and lodging for three players and their families to join the team as midyear enrollees. The university was unaware of the ineligible players until after the 2024 season concluded.
These sanctions, which include three years of probation, a $30,000 fine, a portion of the annual football budget, and recruiting limitations through 2028, are the latest in a series of issues that have contributed to program instability. Current head coach Jonathan Smith, who took over in November 2023, is facing scrutiny over his job status, despite the NCAA penalties not directly affecting his tenure. Michigan State is currently on a six-game losing streak, and Smith is at risk of becoming the first coach since 1958 to go winless in Big Ten play, excluding vacated wins.
The university is now at a crossroads regarding Smith's future. They must decide whether to buy out his heavily guaranteed contract, which would cost over $30 million, or retain him for at least another season. This decision is complicated by the presence of several high-profile coaching vacancies elsewhere and the ongoing challenges of funding the roster, making it a difficult time to search for a new coach, especially with the added re... download the app to read more
YoyoFeed ! Follow top global news sources, read AI-powered summaries, ask AI your questions, translate news into your language, and join live chats — all with YoyoFeed!
