Univ. of Richmond reveals rule violations

RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 8 (UPI) -- The University of Richmond Monday revealed violations within its basketball programs regarding illegal text messages to prospective athletes.

NCAA rules permit coaches to contact prospective student-athletes in person, by telephone, by e-mail and through correspondence, but a new NCAA rule prohibits contact with prospective student-athletes by text messaging. The rule went into effect Aug. 1, 2007.

The university said the individual staff members responsible for the majority of the improper text messages are no longer employees at the school.

"The University is committed to conducting an athletic program characterized by honesty, integrity and compliance with all NCAA rules," said Richmond Athletic Director Jim Miller. "Clearly mistakes were made by some of our coaches. Athletic department personnel discovered the violations that initiated this review and immediately reported the violations to the NCAA."

Richmond expects to receive a notice of formal violations within the next 30 days and it's likely the school will receive a two-year probationary period.