UCF Expected to Appeal Bowl Ban By Monday

UPDATE: UCF Appeals Postseason Bowl Ban

UCF has released a press release on the appeal stating The University of Central Florida submitted its appeal to the NCAA today concerning a one-year postseason ban for football.

“We do not believe precedent or the facts of our case support the football postseason ban, which impacts student-athletes who had no involvement in the violations,” said UCF spokesman Grant J. Heston. “We look forward to bringing closure to this issue.”

They also say the appeal in no way affects the transition into the Big East.

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UCF has until Monday to appeal the postseason football ban handed down by the NCAA a few months ago as part of penalties levied against UCF in response to allegations of shady recruitment tactics, ESPN is reporting. Appealing the ban by Monday would also allow UCF to be eligible to play in a bowl this year.

University of Central Florida Spokesperson, Grant Heston, said the school does plan on filing the appeal despite a gamble that the school faces, according to ESPN.

The decision to appeal the ban leaves considerable risk to next season depending on the NCAA ruling outcome. If the school wins the appeal, it would allow them to be eligible to play in a bowl this season and next season. If they lose the appeal after the 2012 season however, the ban would start the 2013 season, leaving UCF ineligible to play in the bowls of the Big East, which will have become the school’s new conference. UCF would then miss opportunities to compete in these bowls which carry millions in dollars in payouts to champions.

An NCAA Spokesperson told ESPN appeals can range considerably but usually take about 110 days. The NCAA however, can make a ruling anytime which could leave C-USA in shambles should UCF’s ruling be handed out this year.

If the NCAA denies UCF’s appeal near the Conference USA bowls this year, it would cause major problems for bowl participants within the conference.

President Hitt is said to be remaining hopeful that the appeal will be ruled on before the end of the season.

We will continue to follow these reports and update with more information.