Nebraska Cornhuskers Self-Report Minor NCAA Violation Related to Textbooks

The Nebraska Cornhuskers can now be put on the dreaded list of NCAA violators (okay, so it's really not that big of a deal).

According to Brian Christopherson of the Lincoln Journal Star, 181 University of Nebraska-Lincoln student-athletes were found to have received recommended textbooks valued at less than $100 per person in addition to textbooks required by classes, which is not allowed by NCAA rules.  57 more were found to have received more than $100 worth.  

In total, $27,869.47 was given out in the form of recommended textbooks to these athletes.

UNL Athletic Director Tom Osborne called the situation "embarrassing." He blames the hiccup on poor communication between the athletic department and the university bookstore as far as what athletes can and can't receive.

According to Osborne, the University uncovered the violations and imposed a fine of $28,000 on itself, along with a period of probation. He also noted that no intentional wrongdoing was done.

In addition to the fine and probation, each individual involved is required to pay the value of their ill-begotten books to a charity of their choice.

While the violations seem minor and the self-imposed penalties will likely lessen whatever further retribution the NCAA sees fit to dish out, Osborne points out that the probation will force Nebraska to be much more careful about preventing future incidental violations.

Quite frankly, it isn't likely that much will come of this in terms of punishment. But don't be surprised if Husker detractors take this prime opportunity to attack the credibility of the University and its beloved athletic director.

In other words, if you are a Husker fan, brace yourself for some mild fallout.