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Memphis did what?
Tigers receive two-year probation and a fine for committing academic fraud. Plus: Trump wades into NIL, a fine tribute to Amir Abdul-Rahim, Duke as an "overlooked" team, scheduling notes, and some Peach Jam highlights.
Mike Miller
July 17, 2025
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Good morning! If you spent Wednesday night watch Shane Gillis host the ESPYs, you coulda done worse.
Let’s get to all the college hoops news.
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1. Memphis paid softball player $550 to do schoolwork for Dandridge
Memphis fans may just want to forget the 2023-24 season ever happened.
The NCAA handed Memphis’ men’s basketball program a two-year probation and fined it $30,000 on Wednesday. All because a former academic advisor paid two of the school’s softball players $550 to “complete coursework” for former Tiger Malcom Dandridge.
It also has to vacate three wins from that season: Wichita State, Temple and Tulane.
The amazing part? Tigers beat writer Jason Munz noted that Dandridge already had his bachelor’s degree.
Per the NCAA, Leslie Brooks, who was fired as an academic counselor in 2024, asked two softball players to assist Dandridge. One softball player completed three assignments and was paid $150 by Brooks. The second player provided answers to five tests and four quizzes and was paid $400 by Brooks.
Memphis has not commented on the matter since Feb. 24, 2024.
Per the Memphis Commercial-Appeal, coach Penny Hardaway kept Dandridge out of that season’s final five games. The 6-9 forward was finishing his fifth season at Memphis and had the best season of his career, averaging 8 ppg and 5 rpg.
That was the same season where Memphis started 15-2, but then lost four games in a row, finished 11-7 in the AAC and missed the NCAA Tournament despite the promising start and an All-AAC season from David Jones.
2. Trump to take turn at NIL regulation
The House v. NCAA settlement has taken a few shots lately. Guidance issued by the newly formed College Sports Commission hasn’t been well-received, which includes strict adherence to a $600 maximum amount for any NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) deal.
Cue President Donald Trump.
