The NCAA is investigating allegations of violations within the Arizona State football program, the school confirmed in a statement to ESPN.
Arizona State spokeswoman Katie Paquet did not specify what the allegations are related to, citing NCAA bylaws for ongoing investigations. But sources told ESPN that the potential violations are linked to recent recruiting practices and likely involve several Arizona State coaches.
Sources told ESPN that part of the NCAA’s investigation involves Arizona State hosting prospects during the recruiting dead period, which lasted from March 2020 to June 1, 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic. FBS programs were prohibited from having recruits on campus during the dead period.
The Athletic reported, citing a source, that ASU’s compliance staff have started interviewing coaches about the allegations. Head coach Herm Edwards’ involvement in the investigation is not yet known, and a spokesman for the athletic department referred questions to the university. Defensive coordinator Antonio Pierce also serves as the team’s recruiting coordinator, and wide receivers coach Prentice Gill is ASU’s assistant recruiting coordinator.
Arizona State had the nation’s No. 36 recruiting class for 2021, according to ESPN’s rankings.
Tom VanHaaren and Kyle Bonagura contributed to this story