NC State AD Boo Corrigan: Basketball program can now ‘move forward’ after NCAA ruling
N.C. State athletics director Boo Corrigan hadn’t seen Kevin Keatts as of 3:01 p.m. Monday.
But he anticipated a big hug from his men’s basketball coach once they met up. Monday was a big day for the Wolfpack men’s basketball program. After years of having an NCAA cloud hang over the program, N.C. State got a resolution.
The Independent Accountability Resolution Process (IARP) ruled on Monday that the Wolfpack would have to vacate the wins from its 2016-17 season. The 15-member independent review panel was charged with analyzing the allegations and the school’s response to them, then deciding on penalties. Decisions by the panel are final and not subject to appeal.
N.C. State’s case revolves around former guard Dennis Smith Jr., former head coach Mark Gottfried and former assistant Orlando Early. The investigation involves former Adidas consultant Thomas Gassnola working with Early, an assistant under Gottfried from 2011 to ‘17, and Smith’s trainer Shawn Farmer to funnel $40,000 to Smith’s family in exchange for Smith’s commitment in October 2015.
The Wolfpack will have to deal with some penalties, including one year of probation and a loss of one scholarship, but there will be no postseason ban.
The case fell into the lap of Corrigan when he took over as AD, in 2019, and Keatts when he was named the program’s head coach ahead of the 2017-18 basketball season. Corrigan recalls one too many conversations the last few years ending with questions about the case. Not anymore.
“More than anything else,” Corrigan told the N&O, “this gives us a stop point and a point to move forward, which has certainly been a challenge since Kevin got here.”
N.C. State Chancellor Randy Woodson issued a statement after the ruling from the IARP.
“We accept the IARP’s decision and appreciate the hearing committee’s careful review of the facts. NC State will deal with the implications, many of which include previously self-imposed penalties,” Woodson wrote. “We look forward to putting this matter behind us and embracing the incredible potential and bright future of men’s basketball at NC State. In the past several years, Coach Keatts and his staff have rebuilt our men’s basketball program into one in which all of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans can be very proud.”
The school did self-impose punishments that resulted in a loss of scholarship, a reduction of in-home visits and a ban during a certain two-week frame on unofficial visits. That will hurt somewhat in recruiting. But overall, the rulings were a win for Corrigan, Keatts and the current student-athletes.
Dana Welch, chief panel member for the Independent Resolution Panel, spoke to the media in a zoom call and pointed out not punishing the current players played a factor. The current recruiting restrictions in place will hurt, but there aren’t too many long-term effects from the ruling.
From the beginning, Corrigan wouldn’t self-impose a postseason ban. Monday’s ruling wasn’t vindication, but a reminder that they felt good about their case.
“Where we looked at it and where we felt we were in the wrong,” Corrigan said, “when you look at where we self imposed, that’s where we took our penalties.”
This story was originally published December 20, 2021 at 4:04 PM.
