Additionally, assistant football coach David Kelly also resigned, and UCF suspended men\u2019s basketball coach Donnie Jones for three conference games without pay and will issue him an official letter of reprimand.<\/p>\n
The NCAA\u2019s Notice of Allegations reported multiple violations and specifically cited Tribble and Kelly for unethical conduct when meeting with NCAA investigators. They will have the opportunity to personally challenge those allegations to the NCAA.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe strengthening of UCF\u2019s commitment to compliance with the NCAA starts today,\u201d UCF President John C. Hitt said. \u201cThese are serious charges that are as unacceptable to me as I am sure they are to all of our fans. I expect our Athletics leadership to set the standard for compliance, and that is not what took place.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thank former AD Tribble and former assistant coach Kelly for their many positive contributions to UCF and wish them well in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
UCF cooperated fully with the NCAA during its investigation, which does not involve football coach George O\u2019Leary or any sports beyond football and men\u2019s basketball.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs the program\u2019s head coach, I accept responsibility for mistakes when they occur,\u201d Jones said. \u201cI respect Dr. Hitt and the University of Central Florida and believe the decision in this case is fair. I look forward to representing UCF in a positive manner on and off the court.<\/p>\n
\u201cOut of respect for the NCAA process, I will not discuss these issues further until their resolution.\u201d<\/p>\n
Conference USA and the Big East are aware of the ongoing NCAA investigation, and the report will not impact conference realignment prospects.<\/p>\n
UCF will immediately begin a national search for its new director of Athletics. Tribble and Kelly had been with UCF since 2006.<\/p>\n
Hitt appointed Al Harms, UCF\u2019s vice president for Strategy, Marketing, Communications and Admissions, as interim director of Athletics. Harms, a retired Navy vice admiral, previously served as interim director of Athletics in 2006. Among other duties, he currently oversees UCF football game day operations.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdmiral Harms is a leader of extraordinary integrity who has my complete confidence,\u201d Hitt said. \u201cNo one is better suited to begin this rebuilding process.\u201d<\/p>\n
Said Harms: \u201cDuring this transition, I know our employees will continue their exceptional support of the more than 500 dedicated student-athletes who call UCF home. We will conduct our business in a manner that is consistent with our program goals, our high standards of professional and personal conduct and our responsibilities to the NCAA.\u201d<\/p>\n
The NCAA provides institutions 90 days to respond to the allegations. During this time, UCF will further review the report to determine how to move forward. As part of that review, the university will consider possible institutional penalties that could be self-imposed.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo our fans, I pledge this: UCF will address these problems in a clear, consistent, and just manner,\u201d Hitt said.<\/p>\n