TALLAHASSEE, Fla., March 22 (UPI) -- Florida State football Coach Bobby Bowden says NCAA sanctions levied recently against the school were "too harsh."
The penalties were for major violations that include academic fraud across 10 sports involving more than 60 student-athletes and improper benefits, unethical conduct by academic service staff members.
The violations occurred in football, men's and women's basketball, baseball, men's and women's track and field, men's and women's swimming, softball and men's golf.
An NCAA report said online exams were given with no requirement for a proctor, and there was no ready way to keep students from getting the answers to the exams.
More than 60 student-athletes went through a reinstatement process and three staff members were charged with unethical conduct for knowingly allowing -- and arranging -- the fraud to happen.
FSU President T.K. Wetherell plans to challenge the four-year probation, the loss of scholarships in 10 sports and the forfeiture of as many as 14 football victories.
