LOWELL, Mass. - After self-reporting and conducting a highly collaborative investigation with the NCAA regarding potential extra benefits and recruiting violations by the former head men's soccer coach, UMass Lowell announced today a negotiated resolution with the NCAA Committee on Infractions.
 
"We are grateful to the NCAA for their collaboration throughout this process and pleased to move forward." said UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen.
 
In December 2021, UMass Lowell received concerning information regarding the actions of then men's soccer head coach Christian Figueroa, who, following an immediate university investigation, was terminated for cause later that month. UMass Lowell promptly reported potential NCAA rules violations, and over the next several months investigated thoroughly and collaboratively with the NCAA staff.
 
"Although we are disappointed by the actions of our former men's soccer head coach, we were encouraged that the violations were isolated to his misconduct and the integrity of our compliance and athletic department processes were found to be soundly intact," said Athletic Director Peter Casey, adding that no other athletic sport program was implicated or impacted by the coach's conduct.
 
"Throughout the investigation, our top priority was uncovering the facts," Casey said, "because we knew the truth was ultimately the best protection for our student-athletes, our new men's soccer coaches, and the future of our men's soccer program."
 
The negotiated and agreed upon sanctions provide that the UMass Lowell athletics department will face two years of probation, the men's soccer program will need to pay a fine, restrict their recruiting activities, reduce the team's CARA (countable athletically related activities), and vacate the team's records for the 2019-2022 seasons.  However, no sport program, including men's soccer, will face a postseason ban or a deduction of scholarships. 
 
"UMass Lowell's cooperation with the NCAA to identify the facts in this case speaks volumes about the university's commitment to adhering to NCAA rules and its belief in the importance of advocacy on behalf of its student athletes," said Brad Walker, America East Commissioner.

The university will continue its unwavering commitment to its student-athletes and its diligent efforts to ensure compliance with all NCAA regulations.