Arizona Swimming on Probation After NCAA Violations

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TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of Arizona swimming and diving program has been placed on probation for two years by the NCAA and lost one scholarship.

A recent investigation conducted by the NCAA found multiple recruiting violations by former diving coach Omar Ojeda, multiple news outlets reported.

Ojeda was also given a one-year “show-cause” order, according to the The Associated Press. During that time, any NCAA school that employs him must restrict him from any athletic duties, according to NCAA rules.

The NCAA said former head swim coach Rick DeMont knew of Ojeda’s activities and failed to act, news outlets reported.

Photo Courtesy: Swimming World TV

DeMont retired after the 2017 season and Ojeda’s contract was not renewed in 2018. The university self-reported the violations a short time later, according to the AP.

The Arizona Daily Star reported:

“Ojeda’s recruiting violations began in January 2017, when he arranged for an international diving prospect to move to Tucson while she attempted to qualify academically at the UA. Ojeda arranged for the diver to move in to a UA booster’s home, where she lived rent-free for eight months. During that time, Ojeda trained the diver as if she was one of his UA athletes. Additionally, Ojeda allowed the prospect to attend the 2017 NCAA Division I Zone Diving Championship Meet in Flagstaff, and took her on a UA team trip to Sedona. The diver received six nights’ worth of free lodging during her time in Flagstaff.”

“It is clear that the two former coaches did not uphold the values and expectations that the University of Arizona, President Robert Robbins and I have for all staff members,” UA athletic director Dave Heeke said in a statement released Wednesday morning. “We have taken decisive steps in recent years to enhance our compliance culture, improve oversight and increase accountability.”

Arizona also suspended on-campus recruiting for three weeks in December, instituted a self-imposed ban on unofficial visits during that time, reduced the number of swimming and diving visits by five and paid a $5,000 fine, according to the Arizona Daily Star.

Read the full Daily Star story here.

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Curious cat

5 years ago

What does probation mean in regards to competing?? Will they still be able to compete?

Stephanie Wright

5 years ago

Linda Anaya Nelms

Steven Rose

5 years ago

Probation means nothing. D1 is allowed to do whatever they want.

Anonymous

5 years ago

Reply to Steven Rose

Unless it’s DOUBLE SECRET probation…

Casey Parker Kingsbury

5 years ago

Carley Bee!!!

Teri Mortimer Lavo

5 years ago

Andrea Carli Bunar

5 years ago

Reply to Teri Mortimer Lavo

Teri Mortimer Lavo wow!

John Twobad

5 years ago

Love how this article tells you NOTHING about what was done that was a violation. You have to follow the link for actual information.

Author

Dan D'Addona — Swimming World Managing Editor

5 years ago

The story has been updated with more specifics as more news has become available.

Brett Davies

5 years ago

Wow

Danyon Chu

5 years ago

Alex Lojko