NCAA imposes brief suspension on Memphis’ Penny Hardaway, cites recruiting violations

The NCAA has reportedly suspended Memphis Tigers basketball coach Penny Hardaway for the first 3 games of the 2023-24 season after finding recruiting violations for the 2021-22 season.

Hardaway and a Memphis assistant reportedly visited a “highly-rated men’s basketball prospect” during his junior year of high school. The problem lies in Hardaway’s visit to the aforementioned recruit’s home (as opposed to his school), which is not allowed by the NCAA during the time period of the year it took place.

These violations are considered to be Level II-mitigated, per ESPN’s Jeff Borzello.

Memphis’ athletics department issued a response to the suspension following the initial report by CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein. Here it is in full:

Full statement from the Memphis athletic department on Penny Hardaway’s 3-game suspension. pic.twitter.com/oLfMAJIoJo

— Christian Fowler (@CFowlerBCM) June 21, 2023

Memphis’s full 2023-24 slate has not yet been officially revealed, though the Tigers are set to face off against Mizzou on Nov. 10. It’s safe to assume this will be one of the first 3 games of the season for Memphis, therefore (obviously) impacting his ability to coach in an all-Tigers battle.

Ethan Stone

Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.