Former University of Missouri Tutor Alleges Major Academic Fraud

Another embarrassing chapter for University of Missouri athletics began to unfold publicly Tuesday night, when the school announced it was under NCAA investigation again, this time after a former academic tutor detailed fraud she alleges occurred with student-athletes across many sports, including men's basketball and football.

Missouri's official statement, made by athletic director Jim Sterk, did not mention the scope of the alleged misconduct this time. But in a statement she made on social media, former tutor Yolanda Kumar said she took exams and completed classes for players, adding that the conduct was supported by "at least two" academic coordinators for athletes who participated in "revenue-generating" sports (men's basketball and football), while also adding that the alleged fraud was not limited to big sports.

As the Kansas City Star notes, these revelations come three months after another investigation led to self-imposed sanctions against men's hoops stemming from a fake internship program and impermissible benefits that players and their families received. Missouri athletics have been in further turmoil recently: an investigation involving the softball program and Title IX, problems with former leadership in the athletic department related to fallout from student protests in 2015 (which involved athletes), and allegations that school administrators did not investigate a rape accusation against the members of the football team (the alleged victim, a former member of the swim team, committed suicide).

In a way, the issues Kumar raises seem quaint by comparison. This is Kumar's statement in full (which the Star says it confirmed as being hers):

"I have knowingly participated in academic dishonesty in my position as a tutor at the University of Missouri-Columbia Intercollegiate Athletic department, which is not limited to assistance with assignments. I have taken and assisted with entrance assessment, completed entire courses, and I been present to provide assistance with online assessments. It was encouraged, promoted, and supported by at least two Academic Coordinators for athletes in revenue generating sports, however, the wide spread desperation to succeed by other student-athletes at the bottom of an inverted pyramid of the organization's construct (across) multiple sports. I self-reported on November 2 and naively wanted to close the door on the manner after seeking counsel. I immediately resigned from my position on November 7 prior to meeting with a member for compliance, general counsel, and an individual that reports to the chancellor.

"You are able to see this post because I respect and honor your thoughts of me. I wanted you to hear it from me first. I apologize for disappointing you.

"I just can't carry this burden anymore."

It's another example of why colleges, perhaps, should not be responsible for running athletic departments. Some have called for student-athletes to be treated like university employees (and to be paid), because that's basically what they are. But should we trust an athletic department to take on that burden, as well? It seems like corruption waits only for its next opportunity.