Bakersfield College Elevates Athletics Sanctions Appeal to CCCAA

Yesterday, July 9, 2013, Bakersfield College elevated its appeal of football program sanctions to the California Community College Athletics Association (CCCAA). The appeal materials are posted online for the public to review.

The appeal to CCCAA is a re-presentation of the arguments presented in the earlier appeal to the Southern California Football Association (SCFA).  However, in addition to the previously-submitted materials, Bakersfield College contends that the procedure used by SCFA in denying Bakersfield College's appeal lacked transparency and fairness, and violated fundamental due process. Bakersfield College was notified on June 24 that its initial appeal to SCFA was denied.

“I believe the penalties are overly broad and excessive for technical infractions that did not put our student athletes at a competitive advantage,” said Dr. Sonya Christian, president of Bakersfield College. “The facts presented in the appeals document provide clarity on the actual nature of the infractions, and should lead to more appropriate sanctions on Bakersfield College.”

On May 14, the SCFA notified Bakersfield College of the findings of the inquiry. The Association found Bakersfield College to be non-compliant with CCCAA Bylaw 2, which governs subsidizing, inducements, and special privileges. Seven violations were noted in three categories.

As a result of the SCFA findings, Bakersfield College's wins for the 2011 and 2012 football seasons were voided, including the 2012 CCCAA Championship game. The Bakersfield College football team has also been placed on a post-season ban for the 2013 season, and will be on probation for the 2013 and 2014 seasons.

Bakersfield College will continue to update the community in regard to the appeals process as there are additional developments.

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Story picked up by: 

• KERO-TV 23 ABC (Bakersfield College makes new appeal to football sanction)
• The Bakersfield Californian (BC pushes appeal to state association)
• KBAK-TV 29 CBS (Bakersfield College makes new appeal to football sanctions)
• First News on First Look with Scott Cox, KERN-AM 1180 (Bakersfield College advances its appeal)