Georgia Tech self-reports minor NCAA violation by coach Paul Johnson
Georgia Tech has self-reported an NCAA rules violation committed by coach Paul Johnson, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Johnson spoke publicly about transfer Patrick Skov's joining the team 30 minutes before NCAA rules allowed.
A reporter asked Johnson about Skov during an interview in April, and Johnson replied that he was excited to have the former Stanford player join his squad. He had reportedly been told that the transfer was complete, but the deal was actually not official until 30 minutes after his comment.
NCAA rules do not allow coaches to confirm that a prospect is being recruited until the athlete has officially signed a letter of intent or grant in aid.
• STAPLES: Which team has the most underrated chance to make the playoff?
“Some of that stuff is ridiculous,” Johnson said, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It certainly isn’t gaining an advantage over anybody.”
Georgia Tech was the subject of two recent NCAA investigations involving improper benefits and recruiting. The Yellow Jackets were stripped of their 2009 ACC title in 2011 and given four years of probation. They were placed on probation for another two years in 2014.
As penalty for the April violation, Johnson was required to attend an education session on NCAA rules.
- Erin Flynn
