The NCAA has imposed a one-year suspension on Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce for breaching ethical conduct principles.
NCAA Investigation Discovers ‘Impermissible Recruiting Activities’
Pierce was implicated in the NCAA’s probe of the Arizona State Sun Devils regarding a reported “program-wide initiative to engage in impermissible recruiting activities during the COVID-19 dead period.” He worked as ASU’s defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021, serving under head coach Herm Edwards.
In the announcement made on Thursday, the NCAA detailed a “scheme” that Pierce and other staff members employed to bypass restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pierce facilitated impermissible recruiting interactions — such as tryouts, tours of football facilities, and entertainment — with 35 prospective players and their families. He arranged or personally provided complimentary meals, apparel, airfare, and/or lodging for 27 prospects.
In one notable incident, Pierce escorted a prospect’s parents to a “gentlemen’s club” as part of the entertainment during their visits.
The NCAA’s findings indicated that Pierce allegedly “ran the show” for ASU’s football program. Numerous coaching staff members stated during interviews with enforcement officials that they feared losing their jobs if they did not follow his directives.
Pierce and ASU Coaching Staff Face Consequences
Back in April, the NCAA announced penalties for Arizona State due to recruiting violations that transpired under former head coach Herm Edwards. Along with an undisclosed fine and four years of probation, ASU faced reduced scholarships and heightened recruiting restrictions.
The NCAA assigned a five-year show-cause penalty to Edwards. Pierce’s case was adjudicated separately, and he was not included in the school’s negotiated resolution with the NCAA.
The NCAA determined that if Pierce wishes to return to the collegiate level, he will face a one-year suspension from all athletic activities at any program he joins. Furthermore, he has been issued an eight-year show-cause order, requiring any NCAA institution that hires him in the next eight years to provide justification for why it should not face sanctions.
Image Source: Antonio Pierce @ Instagram
