TCU hoops assistant resigns amid violations

NT80 · August 6, 2003

TCU assistant hoops coach Steadman resigns amid violations

August 5, 2003

FORT WORTH, Texas (Ticker) - Texas Christian assistant basketball coach Jai Steadman resigned Tuesday amid a report of violations, including impermissible transportation and academic assistance.

An internal investigation revealed that Steadman provided transportation that helped a prospective student-athlete "solve an F1 international student visa problem" and assisted an enrolled student-athlete with a paper.

Steadman was the restricted earnings coach for the men's team.

"Basketball, like all other TCU sports, abides by the rules and is a program of integrity," coach Neil Dougherty said. "It is extremely regrettable that this coach erred in judgement to the extent that he broke NCAA and institutional rules."

According to Dougherty, the school's "internal checks and balances caught the problem early enough to self-report and resolve the issues."

In addition to accepting Steadman's resignation, TCU suspended the prospective student-athlete for 20 percent of the 2003-04 schedule and required him to reimburse the estimated value of the transportation, or $386.64.

The student-athlete whose paper was changed will not be sanctioned. The school said he had no knowledge it was being expanded.

The disciplinary actions follow NCAA rules guidelines, according to TCU. The NCAA was unavailable for comment.

"I regret this situation more than I can say," athletic director Eric Hyman said. "We have made it absolutely clear to everyone that we will not tolerate any violations of the rules."

"This situation is extremely disappointing," added chief academic officer and provost William Koehler. "But I must say, I am very pleased that the administrative staff we have in place worked so well."

The school will conduct training programs for athletic department personnel and student-athletes to ensure they are aware of proper procedures.