ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.,None — Two top officials are no longer on the job at the University of Central Florida in the wake of a recruiting scandal, and now, the university president said there could be more backlash to come.
UCF has been expecting an official invitation from the Big East for the past week, and even with the recruiting scandal, President John Hitt said he's still optimistic about the university's chances of landing in the conference.
The NCAA has now released a 16 page report detailing numerous violations committed by the UCF athletic program.
They include payments of thousands of dollars to football and basketball recruits, and one current player.
Investigators also determined that athletic director Keith Tribble arranged free tuition for the friend of a recruiter named Ken Caldwell, who's employed by a pro sports agency.
It's against the rules for colleges to work with agents.
Tribble has resigned, along with assistant football coach David Kelly.
Also being punished, UCF basketball coach Donnie Jones who's suspended without pay for the first three conference games.
Hitt said on Wednesday he's spoken with John Marinotto, the commissioner of the Big East conference, since the NCAA's report was released and has been assured.
He also said numerous lawyers are working on UCF's behalf, exchanging paperwork and negotiating with the Big East.
Hitt said an announcement is soon to come.
A spokesperson with the Big East said they will not comment on specific schools regarding the expansion issue.
WFTV is looking into the university's plans to hire a new athletic director.
WFTV
