What is the Death Penalty?

Definition: The "death penalty" is the harshest sentence the NCAA can levy against a program: a ban that prevents the program from participating in a sport for a period of time.

The death penalty has been used just five times in NCAA history -- twice against basketball programs.

• Kentucky (1952-53): The Wildcats' 1952-53 season was canceled after three players - Alex Groza, Ralph Beard and Dale Barnstable - were arrested for their roles in a massive point-shaving operation.
• Southwestern Louisiana (1973-75): The Rajin' Cajuns were banned for two seasons for a host of recruiting violations including forgery of high school transcripts.

Kentucky came close to receiving the death penalty a second time in the late eighties, but escaped with three years of probation and a two-year postseason ban.

Examples:

Gregg Doyel of CBSSports.com recently called for Oklahoma to receive the NCAA's death penalty after word surfaced that a Sooner assistant coach was in contact with a financial advisor that allegedly made payments to OU players.

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