Oregon avoids bowl ban, hit with limited scholarship reductions in NCAA sanctions

Chip Kelly was hit with an 18-month show-clause as part of NCAA sanctions. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The NCAA levied penalties against the Oregon University football program on Wednesday following a two-plus year investigation into the program's recruiting practices, but the Ducks avoided heavy sanctions. Oregon was not hit with a bowl ban and will be eligible for the postseason this fall. Former head coach Chip Kelly, who left Oregon to coach the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, received an 18-month show-cause penalty for using a recruiting service operator to assist in Oregon's recruiting efforts.

The Division I Committee on Infractions found that Kelly and Oregon exceeded their limits of contacting prospective players. Oregon will be placed on probation until 2016 with a minimal reduction of football scholarships -- it can offer one fewer scholarship in each of the next two seasons and can roster one fewer scholarship player in each of the next three seasons -- and restrictions on official football visits and official football evaluation days.