Kansas Jayhawks escaped with lighter punishments after the NCAA's Independent Accountability Review Process (IARP) downgraded what would have been Level I cases for the team.
Five Level I cases were previously eyed for the Jayhawks after accusations of corruption involving Adidas representatives who allegedly funneled money to recruits to convince them to play for Kansas. Coach Bill Self and his assistant Kurtis Townsend were also investigated and were reportedly aware of such impermissible offers from the shoe company.
Kansas Chancellor Douglas Girod and athletic director Travis Goff felt vindicated by the ruling.
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"Today's decision by the Independent Resolution Panel confirms what we've said since the beginning: the major infractions of which we were accused were unfounded," he said in a statement.
"Most importantly, the panel decision unequivocally confirms our coaches were not involved in - or had knowledge of - payments to student-athletes."
This is welcome news for the Jayhawks, who are looking to contend for its second NCAA Division I title in three years this season.
What Kansas avoided and the punishment they received
First notable downgrade from the initial penalty is that Kansas Jayhawks will no longer be subjected to a post-season ban. It was instead given a three-year probation penalty.
The team also has to take down their 2018 Final Four banner and disregard all the wins they recorded during the 2017-2018 season for fielding Silvio de Sousa, who was found to be ineligible.
The panel also put the school under several strict recruiting restrictions, adding to self-imposed penalties last year.
Coach Self and Townsend were also charged with a Level III infraction but were given no additional penalties.
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