The Pac-12 has approved a new policy that will prohibit the addition of student-athlete transfers who at any point were disciplined for what the conference called “student misconduct,” per a report from NBC Sports. In this case, “student misconduct” is being defined as “assault, harassment, academic fraud, and other violations of campus behavior conduct policies.”
This decision comes on the heels of a policy the SEC enacted in May that will prevent student-athletes who had been disciplined for sexual assault or domestic violence at a prior university would not be allowed to transfer to schools within the conference. In the case of the Pac-12, potential transfers will need to self-disclose if they could at any point re-enroll at the school from which they are transferring.
“This is an important step to strengthen our student-athlete transfer admission processes and to address the safety of our students,” said UCLA chancellor and Pac-12 CEO Group president Gene Block.
This isn’t at all surprising that the Pac-12 would adopt such a policy. Not only did the SEC enact their own rule after former Georgia defensive tackle Jonathan Taylor was dismissed from the university for a domestic violence arrest only to be expelled from Alabama for the same reason shortly thereafter, but the Big 12 went through the same thing earlier this year. That was when former Boise State and Baylor linebacker Sam Ukwuachu was convicted of sexual assault despite former Broncos coach Chris Petersen allegedly warning Bears coach Art Briles about Ukwuachu’s behavioral issues, and the entire story became a mess.
Thus, the Pac-12 is just looking to cover all of its bases and keep those with off-field issues out of the conference, and rightfully so.
Can’t get enough of Campus Sports? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to stay updated with the latest news and exclusive giveaways!
*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports