NCAA Drops the Hammer on Oklahoma State in First Punishment Related to FBI Investigation
By Michael Luciano
The NCAA's ongoing FBI investigation that has revealed rampant bribery and corruption in the sport has singled out Mike Boynton and Oklahoma State as one of the worst offenders given the actions of former assistant coach Lamont Evans, who himself was arrested in connection to this probe.
Perhaps showing that they are taking a hardline, aggressive approach to this investigation, the NCAA announced that the Cowboys will be banned from postseason plan in 2020-2021.
Breaking: The NCAA has levied a one-year postseason ban against Oklahoma State’s men’s basketball program. This is the first program to receive punishments tied to the FBI investigation. OSU is far from the worst offender, so this is a kaboom.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) June 5, 2020
Oklahoma State would likely have made the NIT had it not been cancelled given their 18-14 record, and their amazing recruiting class has them set up nicely for next season.
The Cowboys were set up to contend for the Big 12 championship for the first time in what seemed like forever, as they secured the commitment of star guard Cade Cunningham, the No. 1 overall recruit in the country and the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Cade Cunningham, the nation's No. 1 prospect and potential No. 1 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, signed to play at Oklahoma State. The NCAA just banned OSU from postseason play.
— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) June 5, 2020
Cunningham might only be touching down in Stillwater for one season before he makes it to the pros, but this has to be extremely disappointing for him and the rest of the Pokes' recruits in 2020. This scandal could lave a major black mark on the Cowboy basketball program that takes years to wash off.