South Carolina Self-Imposes Scholarship Ban, but Will the NCAA Call for More?

I'm sure with all of the scandals and coaches being fired, it's really hard to remember everything taking place in college football this season.

But three months ago, it was announced that South Carolina had broken NCAA rules. The NCAA said players received up to $55,000 in improper benefits as they stayed in a hotel at a reduced rate. Due to these violations, these players should have been ruled ineligible. 

South Carolina is now punishing themselves to try and lessen the blow from the NCAA.

They are removing six scholarships over the course of three years. They're also removing up to 30 official recruiting visits for the 2012-13 year and agree to pay a fine of $18,500 for the four players that should have been ruled ineligible. The school is also offering three years of probation.

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“We continue to work in full cooperation with the NCAA on this very serious matter,” school president Harris Pastides said. “As an institution, we established self-imposed penalties and implemented corrective actions.”

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South Carolina has also removed three boosters who played a part in these violations and has punished the former head of compliance, Jennifer Stiles, who was the one who signed off on the hotel.

So, will these self-imposed penalties be enough for the NCAA?

Who knows? Just a few years ago, South Carolina broke up to 10 NCAA violations under head coach Lou Holtz. That means the school are now repeat offenders, which would likely mean the punishments will be more severe.

We'll find out in February just exactly what will happen with South Carolina when they have the hearing regarding these violations. 

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]