Report: Memphis stands by Penny Hardaway with response to NCAA charges

The University of Memphis has reportedly responded to the Independent Accountability Resolution Process investigation by categorically denying or contending the allegations did not merit Level I designation on the charges against Penny Hardaway, according to the Commercial Appeal.

For now, Memphis continues to stand by Penny Hardaway and his staff with their stern response to the charges from the NCAA.

“The facts do not demonstrate a lack of control, a failure to monitor, a failure to cooperate, or a lack of (redacted) responsibility,” the university wrote in its response. “Finally, the NOA contains no specific facts, and it is the specific facts that are imperative for the resolution of this matter.”

The date of these documents goes back to 2021, signally that the process remains ongoing as the two sides disagree on the facts at hand. Other investigations into the football program at Memphis are also cited, but led to no charges.

Memphis faces Level I charges

Penny Hardaway and the University of Memphis face four Level I violations and two Level II violations, according to The Commercial Appeal. The charges appear to include more than just the sanctions expected from the James Wiseman eligibility probe which ruled him unable to play during the 2019 season.

The open records request revealed seven separate violations, including a failure of institutional control by Penny Hardaway. The document says the head coach “failed to demonstrate that he promoted an atmosphere of compliance within the men’s basketball program.”

One of the other charges claims that former Memphis assistant turned current Memphis-area high school coach and agent Mike Miller did not preserve data from a laptop. The former NBA player was a key recruiter while on staff

“A subsequent forensic examination revealed that the former assistant men’s basketball coach’s computer hard drive was formatted on June 5, 2020, and as a result, the data on the computer was deleted,” the amended notice of allegations states. “The Institution failed to conduct an adequate investigation into why the computer’s hard drive was not preserved.”