Hobart placed on three years' probation

Hobart went a combined 16-5 in 2006 and 2007 but must vacate those records. 2006 D3sports.com file photo by Pat Coleman

Hobart football was placed on three years' probation and the program was forced to vacate records from the 2006 and 2007 seasons as a result of a violation which the school self-reported.

Because of separate violations, Hobart's men's lacrosse, which competes at the Division I level, received a one-year postseason ban. The athletic department was forced to pay a $70,000 fine as a result of the lacrosse sanctions as well.

Hobart, according an athletic department statement, "identified infractions related to an alumnus’ good intention to fund the education of students for whom the cost of a private liberal arts education would have been out of reach. Unfortunately, the fact that two of these students participated as members of the football team in 2006 and 2007 resulted in a violation of NCAA rules. The students were never recruited to play football."

“These NCAA infractions, which emerged through separate circumstances, have clearly demonstrated that the complexity of the NCAA’s large and expanding legislation requires greater attention,” says athletic director Mike Hanna. “We have a responsibility to our students to ensure that administrative details do not impede their ability to play their chosen sport and we have a responsibility to our alumni, students and fans to maintain the rich history and character of Hobart athletics. As we move forward maintaining our focus on the educational experiences of our student-athletes and the support of our coaches, we are taking appropriate steps to reinforce our administrative procedures.”