Unless UM and the NCAA arrive at an agreed to settlement the next step before court proceedings is the Infractions Appeal Committee.
The Division I Infractions Appeals Committee serves as the final step in the infractions process. Any school or individual who is penalized or named in a finding of violation may appeal a Committee on Infractions decision. The appeal is not a new hearing that provides a second chance to argue the case.
After committee reviews a written appeal or holds an in-person hearing, it can reverse or modify a Committee on Infractions ruling. In order to change a ruling, the school or individual must prove one of the following: the ruling by the committee on infractions was clearly contrary to the evidence; the individual or school did not actually break NCAA rules; there was a procedural error that caused the committee on infractions to find a violation of NCAA rules; or the penalty was excessive.
Five members are appointed from the general public (one member) and the NCAA membership and serve three-year terms, up to nine years.
Current members
W. Anthony Jenkins, ****inson Wright - A Detroit attorney who holds degrees from both Harvard and Princeton, Jenkins practices corporate, real estate and development law. He also serves as his firm’s Chief Diversity Officer. His term ends in September 2014, and he is eligible for reappointment.
Susan Lipnickey, Miami (Ohio) – Lipnickey is a health studies professor and the faculty athletics representative at Miami (Ohio). She earned her PhD at Ohio State and also serves on the NCAA’s Leadership Council. Her term expires in September 2015.
Patricia C. Ohlendorf, Texas – Ohlendorf is vice-president of institutional relations and legal at Texas. She began her career at the institution in 1971. She holds bachelor’s and law degrees from Texas. Her term expires in September 2015, and she is eligible for reappointment.
David Williams II, Vanderbilt – Williams is vice chancellor for university affairs and Athletics & Athletic Director. He is also a law professor at Vanderbilt. He teaches tax and sports law as well as law and education courses. He holds degrees from Northern Michigan, Detroit and New York University. His term expires in September 2014, and he is eligible for reappointment.
Jack H. Friedenthal, George Washington – A former Committee on Infractions member, Friedenthal is law professor and faculty athletics representative at George Washington. He holds degrees from Stanford and Harvard. His term expires in September 2014.