Institution: Mississippi Christian University

Date: September 25, 2026

Violation Summary: Pursuant to Bylaw 19.10.6, this resolution has no precedential value. The agreed-upon violations in this negotiated resolution (NR) centered on impermissible inducements in the men’s basketball program. The institution, former head men’s basketball coach Randy Bolden and former assistant men’s basketball coach Sam Newman participated in the NR. The parties agreed that in November 2024, Newman invited two men’s basketball prospects to come to campus approximately one month prior to their expected enrollment date and arranged for them to receive roughly $900 in cost-free housing and meals. Specifically, Newman arranged for the two prospects to live with men’s basketball student-athletes and receive meals from a men’s basketball graduate assistant. He instructed the prospects to “lay low” and refrain from accessing campus facilities during business hours to avoid detection. Newman then abruptly sent the two prospects home in late November.

Penalty Summary: The COI approved the agreed-upon penalties, which included one year of probation; a fine of $1,808 (equivalent to twice the value of the impermissible inducements); a two week prohibition on all recruiting activity program in the men’s basketball program; a one-year show-cause order including a three-game suspension for Bolden; and a one-year show-cause order including a five-game suspension for Newman.

Involved Sports:
Men's Basketball

Involved Penalties:

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