Arizona State making progress in negotiated resolution with NCAA over alleged recruiting violations

The Sun Devils are seeking to accept some penalties and move on after more than two years

By Dennis Dodd Feb 1, 2024 at 3:30 pm ET• 2 min read

Arizona State and the NCAA are seeking to conclude negotiations on a resolution that would end a 2 ½-year investigation into alleged football recruiting violations within the Sun Devils program, multiple sources tell CBS Sports.

The school is expected to agree to findings of major violations in the case, which revolves around recruits being brought on campus during the COVID-19 recruiting dead period in violation of NCAA rules. A further postseason ban is not expected to be among those penalties. ASU in August self-imposed a postseason ban for 2023 in hopes of mitigating future penalties.

On the table are potential show-cause penalties against former coach Herm Edwards and members of his staff, sources tell CBS Sports. That group includes current Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce, who is considered a central figure in the investigation. Recruiting sanctions and a fine imposed on the program are also possible for ASU.

It is not clear whether any sanctions would follow Pierce to the NFL. Edwards could also be subject to punishment under the NCAA's head coach responsibility bylaw. Though the bylaw was strengthened on Jan. 1, 2023, Edwards would be subject to previous language that states coaches are "presumed to be responsible" for the actions of their staff.