Ole Miss Releases Statement on NCAA Notice of Allegations

The University of Mississippi announced Tuesday it's planning to contest several of the allegations brought forth by the NCAA on Feb. 22.

Ole Miss formally released its response to the governing body's Notice of Allegations on its official website. The school wrote it agreed "several violations occurred," but doesn't believe there is "credible and persuasive evidence" to support all of the claims made.

Paul Finebaum of the SEC Network provided additional information:

The university said its self-imposed sanctions, including a 2017 postseason ban for the Rebels' football team, reductions in scholarships and recruiting availability and giving up $8 million in SEC revenue, should cover the punishment for the allegations it agrees with.

"As described in this response, the University has held those responsible accountable—many in unprecedented, public ways—and has taken institutional responsibility for what has occurred," the statement read. "The University firmly believes its bold corrective actions will make a meaningful and permanent difference."

Ole Miss also took a stand to defend head football coach Hugh Freeze, who was hired in December 2011 and has guided the Rebels to a 39-25 record across six seasons.

"Second, after careful analysis of the testimony and supporting records, the University has concluded that head football coach Hugh Freeze has met it and membership's expectations to emphasize and promote compliance and to implement strong and comprehensive monitoring," it wrote.

Dan Wolken of USA Today commented on the defense of Freeze:

The complete 125-page document released by the school includes a response to each of the allegations.

Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports highlighted a standout piece from the text-heavy chronicle:

In February, Davis Potter of the Oxford Eagle noted the NCAA alleged the “scope and nature of the violations demonstrate that the university lacked institutional control and failed to monitor the conduct and administration of its athletics department.”

The NCAA has 60 days to offer a rebuttal to Mississippi's official Response to the Notice. A hearing with the Committee on Infractions will be scheduled following the NCAA's response and the committee will have six weeks to make a final decision, according to Potter.

Ole Miss said it's "[looking] forward to appearing before the Committee on Infractions."