York men's basketball forfeits three wins due to an eligibility violation

BURLINGTON, Ont. – Ontario University Athletics (OUA) announced Monday that the York University men's basketball team has self-disclosed an eligibility violation which results in the forfeiture of nine regular season games - including three wins - due to the participation of an ineligible player.

York men's basketball forfeits three wins due to an eligibility violation
February 29, 2016

BURLINGTON, Ont.  – Ontario University Athletics (OUA) announced Monday that the York University men's basketball team has self-disclosed an eligibility violation which results in the forfeiture of nine regular season games - including three wins - due to the participation of an ineligible player.

"We are extremely disappointed with this matter and that it was not brought to our attention sooner," said OUA CEO Gord Grace.  "However, we have worked through due process as quickly as possible over the past 24 hours and will continue to work with York and CIS as we investigate this issue further."

As a result, York's regular season record has been amended to two wins and 17 losses, which sees them finish the regular season fourth in the OUA East division, eliminating them from the playoffs.

York University Athletics and Recreation verified the violation on Sunday, February 28th and reported immediately to the OUA and CIS.  The player was ineligible because he participated in the pre-season at another CIS institution.

The team's wins against Nipissing (Nov. 13, 2015), Laurentian (Nov. 14, 2015) and Laurier (Nov. 28, 2015) will now stand as a losses with scores of 1-0.  All team and player statistics remain in place with the exception of the ineligible player.

"We take this matter very seriously and acted immediately upon learning of this error. We are deeply saddened for our team, our student-athletes, coaches and supporters," said Jennifer Myers, Executive Director, Athletics & Recreation.  "We are devastated by the impact on our team and will provide full support to them moving forward and are committed to complying with the sanctions as defined by the OUA and Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS)."

CIS will be working with York and OUA to investigate the violation. Following the complete review, additional sanctions may be imposed.

The University of Toronto Varsity Blues, who previously finished tied for third with York, finish in third place in the OUA East Division and qualify for postseason play.

With the updated division standings, the Varsity Blues were included in a recalculation of the Rating Percentage Index (RPI) resulting in amended playoff matchups.  Toronto will enter the playoffs as the tenth seed, a position that was previously held by York.

For further information on the Wilson Cup playoff matchups, visit OUA.ca