Mississippi State gets preliminary notice of NCAA investigation

JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI - The NCAA is investigating Mississippi State&#39;s football program for possible rules violations over the past five seasons. <br> <br> Mississippi State president Charles Lee said in a statement Wednesday that the university has received a letter of preliminary inquiry from the NCAA. <br> <br> The letter from NCAA vice president for enforcement services David Price was also released by the school. <br> <br> According to the letter, the NCAA is investigating possible violations from 1998-2002. The allegations include improper contacts, and offers and inducements to prospective student-athletes by current and former members of the coaching staff. <br> <br> ``In addition, the staff shall review whether violations of the principles of ethical conduct by a member of the athletics staff occurred and whether there was a failure to maintain institutional control or to adhere to the principles of rules compliance,&#39;&#39; the letter said. <br> <br> NCAA investigators were in Starkville to interview 12 Mississippi State football players last summer. <br> <br> Mississippi State athletic director Larry Templeton said the university has been cooperating with the NCAA for several months and he was not surprised to receive the letter. <br> <br> ``You&#39;re never happy to receive the letter, but this certainly puts a timetable in place,&#39;&#39; Templeton said in a phone interview from New Orleans, where Mississippi State is taking part in the SEC basketball tournament. <br> <br> The NCAA said in the letter that it intends to complete the investigation by July. <br> <br> The letter does not give details of alleged violations. <br> <br> ``This is a preliminary letter. This in not an official inquiry letter,&#39;&#39; Templeton said. <br> <br> In an official letter on inquiry, the NCAA details violations found during an investigation and requires the university to respond. <br> <br> ``Mississippi State takes seriously any questions that arise about the integrity of our athletics program and our commitment to following the rules,&#39;&#39; 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.&#39;&#39;