NC State accepts NCAA case referral for independent process

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina State has accepted a recommendation for its NCAA case involving recruiting violations tied to former one-and-done star Dennis Smith Jr. to go through the new independent investigation process for complex cases.

In a statement Wednesday, Chancellor Randy Woodson questioned whether the school “can receive an objective or fair hearing” in a typical infractions-committee route. Woodson said the Independent Accountability Resolution Process (IARP) is “the only remaining option.”

The NCAA created the IARP following reform proposals from the commission led by former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in the wake of a federal corruption investigation into college basketball. It includes independent investigators and decision-makers with no direct ties to member schools. Rulings cannot be appealed.

North Carolina State’s response to the NCAA’s recommendation stated the university “does not concede its substantive right to appeal,” referencing remedies “within and outside of the NCAA structure.” A committee reviews referral requests before accepting cases into the IARP.

North Carolina State was charged last summer with four violations, including ex-coach Mark Gottfried individually under the provision of head-coach responsibility for violations within his program. Notably, a government witness testified he delivered $40,000 to ex-assistant Orlando Early for Smith’s family in 2015.

The school and Gottfried’s attorneys responded to the charges in December, though the NCAA enforcement staff’s response in February held firm that violations occurred.

A week later, infractions committee member Carol Cartwright’s referral request stated case filings had included “adversarial posturing that goes beyond simple disagreement and advocacy.” N.C. State argued Wednesday its factual and procedural concerns are “legitimate” and noted its cooperation with federal and NCAA investigators.