CNS News–The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has imposed a series of punitive measures against Florida State University following violations in the recruitment of Amarius Mims, a former Georgia offensive lineman. This decision comes in the wake of a 2022 incident where Mims considered transferring from Georgia, with Florida State emerging as a key contender.
Alex Atkins, the offensive coordinator for Florida State, has received a two-year show-cause penalty, highlighting the seriousness of the infraction. The NCAA’s report, corroborated by Noles247 through multiple sources, identified Mims’ recruitment as the central issue leading to these sanctions.
The comprehensive list of penalties includes two years of probation for the university, a suspension for Atkins from three regular-season games, and restrictions on his recruiting communications. Additionally, Florida State faces a reduction in football scholarships and limitations on official visits and in-person recruiting days.
Central to the NCAA’s findings was an incident where Atkins reportedly drove Mims and his parents to a meeting to negotiate terms of a NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal, which was later withdrawn. This deal, worth approximately $15,000 per month, was to be with Rising Spear, an NIL collective now disassociated from Florida State for three years.
NCAA penalizes Florida State for recruitment of Georgia offensive lineman Amarius Mims https://t.co/rI5LwyJNgV
— Dawgs247 (@Dawgs247) January 12, 2024
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Mims ultimately chose to stay with Georgia, a decision that proved beneficial as he played a significant role in the team’s subsequent season, despite an ankle injury. His professional prospects remain strong, as he is considered a top offensive tackle in the 2024 draft.
This case underscores the ongoing complexities and controversies surrounding NIL deals in college sports, especially as they intersect with NCAA regulations and the ethical aspects of student-athlete recruitment.