Contact: Joe Farris
Mississippi State has received a letter of preliminary inquiry from the NCAA into the university's football program.
The letter is a procedural requirement indicating that the NCAA is following up on information about possible rules violations.
"We have been in close communication with the NCAA enforcement staff over the past several months and have been participating with them in interviews in an effort to determine the accuracy of information provided to NCAA by sources outside the university," said MSU President Charles Lee.
"Mississippi State takes seriously any questions that arise about the integrity of our athletics program and our commitment to following the rules," Lee said. "We will continue to cooperate fully with the NCAA and do all that we can to conclude this matter in a timely and appropriate manner."
NCAA rules require that the university receive a report on the status of the inquiry within six months after receiving notice of the preliminary inquiry. The NCAA said it expects to complete the inquiry by July.
"As a result of our cooperation and participation in the interview process that has been under way, we are receiving regular updates from the NCAA," Lee said.
The university has made public the letter of preliminary inquiry.