After rumors began circulating Tuesday morning, an Indiana U. spokesperson confirmed that freshmen forward Hanner Mosquera-Perea and center Peter Jurkin will be suspended for this season’s first nine games. The decision stems from a secondary NCAA violation.
The violation, which was self-reported by the IU athletic department on June 22, involved Mark Adams, a booster of the IU Varsity Club who donated a total of $185 from 1986 to 1992 — before either Jurkin or Mosquera-Perea were born. Through his non-profit organization, A-HOPE, Adams allegedly helped both the freshmen and former IU basketball player Tijan Jobe, who played for IU from 2008-10. Adams created A-HOPE to support international athletes who hope to pursue athletic and academic dreams in the U.S.
Adams reportedly gave $6,000 to Jurkin and $8,000 to Mosquera-Perea for expenses covering food, clothing, housing, travel, toiletries, cell phones and laptops, among other items, while both players were being recruited by IU.
Fred Glass, IU vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, said in a press release that though he was disappointed the events took place, he thinks the athletic department dealt with the situation in the proper manner.
“At the NCAA’s direction, we conducted an extensive and thorough review in cooperation and consultation with the NCAA Basketball Focus Group,” Glass said. “While I am very disappointed with these circumstances, I am very pleased with the way we have responded and appreciative of the NCAA’s professional guidance and assistance. I would also like to thank Mark Adams for his forthright candor and cooperation in this matter.”
The NCAA ruled that, in addition to the nine-game suspension, Jurkin must repay $250 of his impermissible expenses and Mosquera-Perea will have to pay back $1,589.69.
The IU athletic department said in the release that the team plans to appeal the suspensions, which will put both freshmen on the bench until the Hoosiers play Butler on Dec. 15 in Indianapolis at the Crossroads Classic.