North Carolina State basketball avoids postseason ban after lengthy NCAA investigation
North Carolina State will not face a postseason ban following an investigation into an alleged payment made to former NC State guard Dennis Smith Jr., it was announced on Monday afternoon.
That ruling came from the Independent Accountability Resolution Process (IARP), which is expected to announce penalties for other programs in the coming months.
While the Wolfpack won’t face a postseason ban, they did receive other punishments. They have been placed on probation for one year and former coach Mark Gottfried received a one-year show cause penalty. Former assistant Orlando Early was given a six-year show cause penalty.
Here’s a full list of sanctions:
Here are the penalties against NC State, levied through the IARP, for the Dennis Smith case. pic.twitter.com/Q567Hu7bAY
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) December 20, 2021
The sanctions are in response to findings that an NC State assistant coach paid Smith Jr. over $40,000 to commit to the Wolfpack.
The 15 wins that North Carolina State earned while playing Smith Jr. have also been vacated. The Wolfpack went 15-17 that season, which was Gottfried’s last as their head coach.
So far this year, NC State is 7-4 and is unlikely to make the NCAA Tournament. However, the Wolfpack could play itself into contention for an at large bid or a berth in the NIT.
NC State continues its season on Tuesday against Wright State.