Memphis to Vacate Final Four Season

[SamuelKhan]

As a Kansas fan, it is good that Mario Chalmers hit that trey. If he didn't, an illegitimate National Champion would have been crowned.

Memphis will be forced to vacate the record 38 victories from its Final Four season of 2007-08, according to a report by the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

The newspaper, citing a source close to the situation, said on its Web site Wednesday night that the NCAA will release findings of its investigation into violations committed by the program Thursday.

The NCAA investigated whether someone took the SAT exam for a player on that team. Memphis was notified of potential violations in January and met with the NCAA in June.

Memphis finished 38-2 in 2007-08, setting the NCAA record for wins in a season. The Tigers lost 75-68 to Kansas in overtime in the national championship game.

It would be the second time both Memphis and former coach John Calipari had to vacate Final Four seasons. The Tigers were stripped of their 1985 appearance and Calipari's Massachusetts team lost its 1996 berth.

Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson, coach Josh Pastner and a spokesman for the team couldn't be reached for comment Wednesday night.

The Commercial Appeal's source was unaware of any penalties beyond this season.

This sucks because I liked Memphis, and that was a good run. KU was banned from tournament play after their 1988 title for recruiting violations. Memphis got caught.