Louisiana-Lafayette's sanctions proposal accepted by NCAA

Louisiana-Lafayette's self-imposed sanctions have been accepted by the NCAA. Lousiana-Lafayette will lose 11 scholarships over the course of three seasons starting effectively which will end in 2017-2018, face recruiting restrictions, and will have to reset records broken in the 2011 season. They will be on probation for two years.

The sanctions are a result of the Ragin Cajuns playing ineligible players during the 2011 season as well as the actions of former linebackers coach David Saunders paying at least $6,500 to a student-athlete as well as arranging fake test scores for incoming recruits.

Saunders has been placed on an eight-year show-cause stipulation for his actions by the NCAA. This means that he and any potential employer have to meet with the infractions committee prior to his accepting employment if that happens anytime before the 2024 season.

Having to erase the 2011 season from the record books is a bit of downer considering that was the first team in school history to go to a bowl game and win the bowl game but it could be worse.

In a bit of surprise, head coach Mark Hudspeth was found clear of any wrongdoing. Not only that, but due to ULL cooperating with the NCAA in a timely fashion they also avoid the dreaded postseason ban.

In five seasons Hudspeth has gone 31-24 (really 40-24 but since 2011 doesn't count we gotta forget those wins apparently) at Lousiana-Lafayette, with three (four) straight New Orleans Bowls victories. All of which are firsts for the ULL football program.

Although a disappointing 4-8 season with the NCAA lurking around was certainly not what ULL fans imagined at least the program can now put this crummy season to bed and find solace in that the guy who has rejuvenated their program was absolved of any wrongdoing.