Memphis, TN (My Sportsbook) - The NCAA has notified the University of Memphis that its men's basketball program has been charged with major violations during the 2007-08 season under former head coach John Calipari. The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported late Wednesday that the allegations include "knowing fraudulence or misconduct" on an SAT exam taken by a player from that 2007-08 team. The paper quotes the NCAA's report that the player suited up only for that season, including the NCAA Tournament. If that is the case, then evidence may point to Derrick Rose, the top overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. Should that allegation prove to be true, the program may be forced to forfeit its NCAA-record 38 victories and Final Four appearance, which culminated in a loss in the title game to Kansas. In addition, it is alleged that the school provided almost $2,300 in free transportation to an associate of an unnamed player. Although the university will most likely avoid penalties for lack of institutional control, Memphis would be charged with lesser misconduct in that case if found to be true. According to the paper, Memphis received notification of the action on January 16, and is slated to appear before the NCAA Committee on Infractions on June 6. Calipari, who left Memphis to accept the head coach position at the University of Kentucky on March 31, was hired prior to the 2000-01 season. He was not mentioned by name in the report, but the NCAA has asked that he be present at the hearing.
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