The University of Maine Conduct Office has completed its inquiry into alleged violations of the school’s Student Conduct Code by seven Black Bear football players.
The student-athletes were investigated for issues “related to the acceptance of meals in a UMaine dining commons” this spring, UMaine spokeswoman Margaret Nagle said in a statement last month.
Nagle on Thursday explained that the situation involving the unnamed students has been resolved by the Student Conduct Office.
“The students referred on this matter were all found to be in violation of the expectations of their dining contracts,” she said in an email.
Any requirements made of the student-athletes by the Student Conduct Office will remain private.
“While we don’t talk about specific Conduct Office cases, typically students receive a warning or probation, do community service, write a letter of apology and/or participate in a discussion to better understand UMaine rules and regulations,” Nagle said in an email response.
Contrary to a local media report, no UMaine employee has been fired and it is incorrect to assume that any of the student-athletes was “disciplined” in relation to the situation, Nagle explained.
Nagle said UMaine students whose cases are handled by the Conduct Office are not identified unless they are otherwise identified in the public record. That would include a police report or other document.
Nagle said student records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.
“It’s UMaine’s longstanding practice not to release details of student conduct proceedings. This ensures privacy and the integrity of the conduct system,” she said.
It remains unclear whether the reported acceptance of free meals by the football players constitutes a violation of NCAA rules or will result in any sanctions by the governing body for intercollegiate athletics. UMaine is waiting for a response after having contacted the NCAA last month to report the situation.
“Anytime something is in question related to NCAA compliance, it’s a responsibility that we take very seriously,” said UMaine athletics director Karlton Creech.
“There’s some question over what happened, does that have compliance implications or does it not. We have been in communication with the NCAA and with our [America East] conference partners who help us with things like that.”
The football players were allowed to continue participating in all team-related activities pending the resolution of their cases during April and May and Creech said no further action, if any, will be taken until the NCAA issues its finding.
“If there’s anything that comes back from the NCAA, then the athletic department would have to option to take our own measures if we felt it was needed,” Creech said.
UMaine football reports for training camp in early August and opens its 2015 season on Sept. 5 at Boston College.