If you missed the big news out of Starkville on Friday, the NCAA has handed down punishment following an investigation into academic misconduct at Mississippi State.

Following an investigation, the NCAA and Mississippi State have confirmed 10 football players and one basketball player received aid from a tutor that is illegal.

While Mississippi State has been hit by the NCAA following these discoveries, the good news is the program will not face a postseason ban. You can read the full story on the news here.

Immediately after the news was announced by Mississippi State and the NCAA, MSU President Dr. Mark E. Keenum and MSU Director of Athletics John Cohen released the following statements in response to the news.

Dr. Mark E. Keenum:

“Academic integrity is a core value at Mississippi State and that value guides our policies and decisions. Unfortunately, young people sometimes make poor decisions and those decisions have consequences. When the university learned of possible serious instances of academic misconduct involving student athletes and a student tutor employed part-time by MSU Athletic Academics, we were compelled to remove the student tutor from university employment, fully and independently investigate the matter, and then self-report the misconduct to the NCAA Committee on Infractions. These actions likewise have consequences for the university, but our commitment to operating a competitive athletic program within NCAA guidelines is unwavering – as is our commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in all university conduct.”

John Cohen:

“Our staff at Mississippi State was proactive in our preventative measures, quick to respond, and worked in full cooperation with the NCAA enforcement staff. With all of the compliance training that our staff and student-athletes go through on a year-round basis, it is unfortunate that a student serving as a part-time tutor was able to lead our student-athletes astray. Nevertheless, we take full responsibility for these actions. Mississippi State will work diligently to continue a culture of compliance and continue to take proactive measures moving forward.”