Penny Hardaway faces Suspension
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis men’s basketball coach Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway has been suspended for the first three games of the 2023-24 basketball season, the NCAA announced today.
NCAA’s Ruling: Uncovering the Violations
The NCAA found Hardaway had committed recruiting violations by impermissibly visiting a prospect’s home twice during the 2021-22 school year. The NCAA has different recruiting windows (e.g. dead period, quiet period, evaluation period) and the Penny Hardaway suspension is due to visits to a Dallas-based prospect before the permissible period for home visits.
Hardaway was also found to have violated his head coaching responsibility of fostering an atmosphere of compliance for himself, his staff and program. Bylaw 11.1.1.1 establishes that “an institution’s head coach shall be held responsible for the head coach’s actions and the actions of all institutional staff members who report, directly or indirectly, to the head coach” and goes on to state that “the integrity of the program rests with the head coach”.
Consequences and Upcoming Challenges: The Games Hardaway Will Miss
As this is a different, but similar violation to that of Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh, the consequences will closely match severity. The Penny Hardaway suspension will force him to miss the Tigers’ first three non-conference games of the year: Jackson State (Nov. 6), at Missouri (Nov 10) and Alabama State (Nov 17).
Continued Controversies: Memphis Basketball’s Off-Season Struggles
This is not the first off-season headline for the Memphis basketball team. Five-star signee Mikey Williams was arrested on April 13 on felony counts of assault with a firearm and shooting at an occupied vehicle. Williams pleaded not guilty in late April and is still in a holding pattern with Memphis; Hardaway stated to local papers on June 5 that “there are no updates” regarding Williams.
The Memphis community and basketball fans are keenly watching how the team will navigate these challenges. The Tigers’ resolve and adaptability will be tested, spotlighting their ability to maintain competitive spirit and unity amidst adversity and external pressures.