Southern Miss Men's Basketball Reportedly Facing Major NCAA Violations

The Southern Mississippi men's basketball program is reportedly facing allegations of major NCAA violations, including possible academic fraud.

Pat Forde of Yahoo Sports reported officials and former coaches from the school met with the NCAA Committee On Infractions last week to discuss the issue. The potential violations stem from the three-year period (2012-2014) that Donnie Tyndall led the program.

A decision about further punishment for the program, which already enacted a self-imposed postseason ban for both last season and the current campaign, could be made by April 1, according to the report.

Forde noted academic fraud and impermissible financial aid for ineligible players are among the seven alleged violations being investigated by the NCAA. Along with Tyndall, former assistant Adam Howard is also involved in the probe into the program's actions.

Tyndall left Southern Miss for Tennessee following the 2013-14 season. He lasted just one year with the Volunteers before the violations were brought to the forefront and he was let go.

Athletic director Dave Hart stated at the time he wouldn't have been hired if Tennessee knew about the Southern Miss issues, according to ESPN.com.

"I was convinced at the time Donnie had learned from that," Hart said. "If we'd known (then) what we know now, we'd have moved in a different direction."

No further information about the additional punishments Southern Miss could face was provided. The self-imposed postseason ban hasn't come into play with the Golden Eagles finishing 9-20 last season and sporting a 6-12 record this year.

It appears the program should find out its fate within the next few months.